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Many body functioning processes are affected by the thyroid gland including metabolism. This endocrine gland is butterfly shaped and manufactures and secretes Thyroxin or T4 in response to TSH being released from the pituitary gland. The thyroid gland responds to this by secreting the necessary amount of thyroid hormone into the blood stream.

If there is not enough T4 in the system, it is classified as hypothyroidism. On the other hand, if there is too much thyroid hormone it is called hyperthyroidism. Both conditions are autoimmune diseases denoting thyroid hormone imbalance that can show outward signs of its existence, such as thyroid eye disease.

What Is Thyroid Eye Disease?

Most often, TED is found in those with hyperactive thyroid also referred to as overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism. However, it has presented itself in those with normal levels of thyroid hormone as well as those lacking sufficient amounts of thyroid hormone also known as hypothryoidism.

TED is also known as orbitapathy, ophthalmopathy and exophthalmia and usually results in the patient’s inability to completely close the eyelids. This condition can then result in dryness and damage to the eyeball. Oftentimes, it may be necessary to tape the eyelids closed during sleep hours in order to prevent further damage from occurring.

Thyroid disease affects the eye by creating swelling in the eye muscles. This results in forcing the eyeball forward. Other causes for this condition include infection of the eye, enlarged blood vessels, and tumors. Furthermore, TED can affect just one or both of the sufferers eyes. About 80% of people suffering with TED also have Graves Disease or hyperthyroidism. There are however other illnesses that can result in TED including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis Hashitoxicosis and atrophic thyroiditis.

Signs and Symptoms of TED:

Proptosis (exophthalmos or bulging) Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eye) Dryness Eyelid retraction Eyelid lag Twitching Redness Itching Double vision Retrobulbar pain Pain on or behind the eye Chemosis (edema or swelling) Swelling Blurriness Eye muscle paralysis Corneal irritation leading to corneal inflammation Difficulty moving the eyes Foreign body sensation Formation of scar tissue Lacrimation (tearing) Sensitivity to light Upper eyelid droop Staring Visual impairment

Surgical Treatment:

Orbital decompression surgery: This type of surgery involves the removal of the orbit one or the bone between the cavity holding the eyeball or the orbit and the surrounding sinuses. This procedure allows for additional space to accommodate swelling behind the eye as well as resulting in a decrease in protrusion and reduction of pressure on the optic nerve.

Eye muscle surgery: The main goal of this procedure is to correct and realign the muscles of the eye. Upon successful completion, the single vision of the straight-ahead and down gaze should be significantly improved.

Eyelid surgery: In those patients suffering from Graves’ ophthalmopathy, the eyelid tends to be quite wide. This procedure is used to reduce this, giving the patient an appearance as close to normal as possible.

A licensed registered nurse and passionate writer, Barb Hicks loves to write and share her knowledge. You can find her articles about Thyroid Disease Symptoms and Common Tests For Thyroid Disorders on Clivir.com.