Thyroid eye disease, TED, is a serious condition that can worsen over time if left untreated. Identified by symptoms of redness, irritation, dry eyes, and bulging, thyroid eye disease is often mistaken for Graves’ disease. Though the two are similar, there are different causes of thyroid eye disease and Graves’ disease. Contact renowned oculofacial plastic surgeon Dr. Jennifer Murdock to determine your risk of developing this condition.
About Thyroid Eye Disease
Thyroid eye disease is an autoimmune disorder, meaning it will disrupt the natural patterns of your immune system over time. One aspect of thyroid eye disease is internal inflammation around the upper and lower eyelids. This inflammation occurs because of attacks from the body’s own immune system. The immune system attacks the muscles and connective tissues of the eye in an attempt to stop the spread of what it mistakenly believes to be foreign cells.
Thyroid eye disease tends to operate in phases: active and inactive. The active phase is characterized by inflammation, with symptoms of irritation, redness, and eye damage. It can be short-lived or incredibly long-lasting. The inactive phase is characterized by the stabilization of your condition and the hibernation of your symptoms for a certain period. It can be difficult to predict the frequency and rotation of these phases without consulting a professional.
Causes of Thyroid Eye Disease
The most likely patients to develop TED are those who are already struggling with Graves’ disease or a similar autoimmune condition related to the eyes. Hypothyroidism leads to an imbalance of hormones, inhibiting the proper thyroid production and leading to additional immune disorders. It causes symptoms like swelling, pressure, pain, wetness, and itchy eyes.
There are several other risk factors for TED, including:
- Aging: Getting older puts a toll on your body. People between the ages of 40 and 60 are most likely to suffer from issues surrounding thyroid production levels. Nerve damage and deterioration also occur at a faster rate in older people.
- Previous Thyroid Dysfunction Treatment: Previously, medical doctors employed iodine treatments to help patients restore thyroid balance. It was later found that these iodine treatments were radioactive and may have exacerbated the development of symptoms related to thyroid eye disease.
- Stress: Stress is incredibly detrimental to your health, leading to a range of conditions, from daytime fatigue to high blood pressure. We also know that undue stress can worsen symptoms of thyroid dysfunction or can even cause thyroid imbalances where there previously were none.
- Family History: Genetics can affect your likelihood of developing thyroid eye disease. If you or someone else in your family has thyroid eye disease or another autoimmune disorder, you are more likely to develop TED.
- Hormonal Imbalance: Thyroid issues are at the core of thyroid eye disease. The thyroid is responsible for balancing hormones and other regulatory features, but, most often due to an iodine deficiency or surplus, it can sometimes become imbalanced. These imbalances—hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, respectively—lead to improper protein and hormone production, nerve damage, and even vision problems.
Managing thyroid eye disease can be a lifelong battle, but those with the condition do not need to struggle in vain. Many advanced treatments and techniques are available to restore eye health and normalize hormone production.
Treatment For Thyroid Eye Disease
Thyroid eye disease damages your eyelids from the inside out. Damage to the nerves and muscles around one’s eye can push it out of its socket, causing a slew of problems and symptoms. Itchy, dry eyes or overly watery eyes are both signs that one should visit an oculoplastic specialist right away. Dr. Murdock offers reconstructive surgery for thyroid eye disease using specialized techniques, from orbital decompression to a more simple shifting of the eyelids. The surgery will be personalized to the severity of the patient’s condition and restore the natural, uninflamed look of their eyes.
Reverse Thyroid Eye Disease Today
Proactive treatment can stop the progression of thyroid eye disease and restore the appearance of your eyes. An oculoplastic professional can help manage the phases and flare-ups of this condition. They can offer personalized thyroid eye repair surgery that will reduce and prevent underlying damage to your eyes. Get in touch with Dr. Jennifer Murdock and her team of specialists for a consultation today.
