Thyroid Eye Disease, also known as Grave’s eye disease and Grave’s Orbitopathy, is an autoimmune disorder that damages the tissues and muscles around the eyes. It is caused by autoantibodies activating orbital fibroblasts. This autoimmune disorder affects the fatty and connective tissues of the eyes, causing enlargement of the tissues.
What Is Thyroid Eye Disease?
In simple terms, the immune system mistakenly attacks the tissues around the eyes, which causes inflammation (swelling), bulging of the eyes, and eye sensitivity. This abnormal immune response targets the healthy tissues of the eyes and leads to eye discomfort. This condition is primarily associated with an overactive thyroid gland and rarely occurs in patients with normally functioning thyroid glands.
Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) is caused by Graves disease, which is caused by the overproduction of thyroid hormones, known as hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism affects many body systems, including the eyes; it can cause health problems if not treated.
Symptoms of Thyroid Eye Disease
The symptoms of TED can include the following:
- Bulging of the eyes: TED makes the muscles and fatty tissues swell behind the eyes, which can push against the back of the eye, bulging the eye area.
- Teary Eyes: As the eyelids retract or protrude, the tear ducts produce more water to keep the eye hydrated, which causes watery eyes.
- Dry Eyes: Damage to the eyes causes them to be dry and irritated, which may reduce their ability to produce tears.
- Red or inflammation: The damage to tissues around the eye makes it sensitive, which makes it red, swollen, or irritated.
- Painful Eyes: Feeling pain or discomfort in the eyes with eye movements, specifically looking sidewards or upwards.
- Double or Blurred Vision: Damage to the eye’s retina causes seeing two images instead of one or blurred vision.
- Light Sensitivity: Eyes becoming sensitive and causing discomfort from the light.
The symptoms can vary from person to person, but if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider to avoid further health issues.
Treatment Options For Thyroid Eye Disease
Thyroid eye disease can be managed if treated effectively, but the complete cure depends on the symptoms and underlying causes. Treatment largely depends on the phase of TED. There are two types of TED:
- The Active (Progressive) Phase Of Thyroid Eye disease
- Inactive (Chronic) Phase Of Thyroid Eye Disease
The active phase of thyroid eye disease refers to when the symptoms are present and accurate. In this phase, symptoms, such as pain, redness, sensitivity, and swelling of the eyes, feel worse. Symptoms may present in one or both eyes. This phase typically lasts between six to two years.
The inactive phase of thyroid eye disease is when the symptoms are no longer active. In this phase, symptoms tend to stabilize. Double vision, building eyes, and some other symptoms still occur in this phase.
Remedies
The active phase of thyroid eye disease can be controlled by home remedies. Early treatment is important; it helps control the condition and prevent further problems. Mild symptoms can be managed with some remedies such as:
- Tear Drops: To prevent dryness and irritation.
- Cool Compress: It can help with swelling and redness in the eyes.
- Sunglasses: To protect the sensitive eyes from light.
- Quit Smoking: If you smoke, you should quit it to prevent TED.
- Healthy Eating: A healthy diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and protein can help.
Medication
It is necessary to consult a doctor for the treatment of TED. A thyroid specialist will first diagnose the underlying disease and then proceed to medication. Steroids such as prednisone and teprotumumab help relieve TED symptoms.
Note: Never take these medications on your own; consult your doctor for the medication.
Radiation
Radiation treatment is advised when the symptoms are severe, and it is done with Orbital Radiotherapy. This delivers a low dose of radiation around the eyes to help reduce inflammation. It works by decreasing immune attacks on the body, which helps decrease the symptoms.
Surgery
Surgery for TED is suggested when the damage to the eye area is severe and can not be treated with medication or radiation therapy. The kind of surgery needed depends on the individual’s condition. Surgery to fix eyesight, bulging eyes, eye bags, or position of the eyelid is an option.
Diagnosis Of Thyroid Eye Disease
A thyroid specialist usually diagnoses TED. The doctor will first test your blood to check for thyroid hormone abnormalities. Then, an ultrasound of the eyes or a CT scan of the brain and orbit will be done. This test helps show the affected muscles.
If you are diagnosed with Thyroid Eye Disease, you need to take care of some things.
- Diet
- Exercise
- Relieve Stress
- Avoid Caffeine
- Quit Smoking
- Consume Omega 3 Fatty Acids
- Avoid High Sodium Diet
