Thyroid eye disease, or Graves’ ophthalmic myopathy, is a common autoimmune disorder. It affects the eyes and orbit of people with an overactive thyroid gland. The eyes can become inflamed, causing them to bulge outward and resulting in vision loss.
Symptoms include: redness, tearing, swelling of the eyelids, double vision, and even pain. The good news is that it’s possible to treat thyroid eye disease before it causes too much damage. But when should you seek medical attention? In this blog post we will discuss when to treat thyroid eye disease and what are the treatment options available.
What is Thyroid Eye Disease?
Thyroid eye disease, also called Graves’ orbitopathy or Graves’ ophthalmopathy, is an autoimmune disorder that affects the eyes and muscles surrounding the eyes. The exact cause of thyroid eye disease is unknown, but it is thought to be related to an overactive thyroid gland.
Symptoms of thyroid eye disease include dry eyes, redness and swelling of the eyes, bulging of the eyes (exophthalmos), double vision, and drooping of the eyelids. Thyroid eye disease can occur in people with Graves’ disease, a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much hormone.
It can also occur in people with Hashimoto’s disease, a condition in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Treatment for thyroid eye disease may include artificial tears, corticosteroids, radiation therapy, and surgery.
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How is Thyroid Eye Disease Diagnosed?
There are a few different ways that thyroid eye disease can be diagnosed. The first is through a comprehensive eye exam, which can help to identify any changes in the appearance of the eyes that may be associated with the disease.
Blood tests may also be ordered to check for levels of thyroid hormones and antibodies, which can help to confirm the diagnosis. In some cases, imaging tests such as MRI or CT scanning may also be used to get a better look at the structures inside the eye and see how they are being affected by the disease.
Who is at Risk for Thyroid Eye Disease?
There are several groups of people who are at a higher risk for developing thyroid eye disease:
-People with Graves’ disease: This is the most common type of autoimmune disorder that leads to thyroid eye disease. In fact, about 50% of people with Graves’ disease will develop some form of the condition.
-People with Hashimoto’s disease: This is another autoimmune disorder that can lead to thyroid eye disease, although it is not as common as Graves’ disease.
-People with certain genetic predispositions: If you have family members who have had thyroid eye disease, you may be more likely to develop it yourself.
-People who are middle-aged or older: The risk for developing thyroid eye disease increases with age.
What are the Symptoms of Thyroid Eye Disease?
There are several symptoms of thyroid eye disease, which can vary depending on the severity of the condition. The most common symptom is bulging of the eyes, which can cause a feeling of pressure in the eyelids and eyeballs.
This can lead to difficulty closing the eyes and Dry Eye Syndrome. Other symptoms include redness and watering of the eyes, as well as blurred or double vision. In more severe cases, the muscles around the eye may start to atrophy, causing drooping of the eyelids (ptosis) and impaired movement of the eyes.
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How is Thyroid Eye Disease Treated?
There are several ways to treat thyroid eye disease, depending on the severity of the condition. For mild cases of Graves’ ophthalmology, artificial tears and sunglasses may be all that is needed to relieve symptoms. More severe cases may require steroid medications to reduce inflammation or surgery to correct bulging eyes.
Conclusion
Thyroid eye disease can be a difficult condition to manage, but with the right approach and treatment, it is possible to live comfortably. The best time to treat thyroid eye disease is as soon as symptoms present themselves so that further damage or discomfort can be avoided. If you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned signs of thyroid eye disease, it’s important to consult your doctor immediately for the best course of action in managing your condition.