What Is Thyroid Eye Disease?

hyroid eye disease (TED) is an autoimmune condition that impacts eye tissues. Typically, TED leads to inflammation, swelling, and damage to the muscles, connective tissues, and fatty tissues in the eye area. 

Since TED can cause permanent, lasting damage, understanding what it does, who’s at risk, early systems, and why prompt treatment is critical is essential. Here’s a closer look at thyroid eye disease. 

What Thyroid Eye Disease Does to Eye Tissues 

As commonly occurs with autoimmune conditions, the person’s immune system is essentially attacking their own body. With TED, the eye tissues are targeted by the immune system. 

TED occurs in two phases. First, there’s the active phase, which is also known as the inflammatory phase. This period can last up to three years, and it’s generally marked by ongoing inflammation and inflammation-related symptoms and damage. Second, there’s the stable phase, where inflammation subsides. 

TED can cause lead to other conditions, such as secondary glaucoma. Regardless of whether that occurs, the damage created by TED is potentially impactful. 

Who Is at Risk of Thyroid Eye Disease? 

In many cases, TED is connected to Graves disease, an autoimmune condition that affects the skin, thyroid, and eyes. Graves disease can lead to hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, both of which can trigger TED. 

Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism not related to Graves disease may also result in TED. However, TED can occur without Graves disease or thyroid hormone abnormalities. Another risk factor is low levels of selenium in your blood. 

The Early Symptoms of Thyroid Eye Disease 

There are many symptoms associated with TED. While one of the most pronounced is proptosis (bulging eyes), dry eyes, watery eyes, irritation caused by a gritty feeling, redness, and double vision may occur before there are obvious physical changes. 

Vision changes can occur, as well as pain with eye movements or discomfort behind the eyes. Trouble closing your eyes fully is also a potential symptom and may lead to a corneal ulcer. 

In some cases, symptoms may only affect one eye. However, they can also occur in both. 

Why Regular Eye Appointments Are Crucial 

Scheduling regular eye appointments is critical regardless of whether you currently have TED. Your eye care provider can look for signs and symptoms that may indicate TED or conditions that may lead to thyroid eye disease. 

If you have TED, frequent appointments allow your eye care provider to monitor your condition and provide treatment options. This may include over-the-counter options to relieve irritation or dryness and reduce inflammation, selenium supplements if the levels in your blood are low, or prescription medications. 

Your eye care provider may also recommend certain home remedies or lifestyle changes. For example, using cool compresses to reduce swelling and discomfort may be part of the plan. Keeping your head higher when lying down, wearing sunglasses when in well-lit spaces or outdoors, eyelid taping, and similar steps may also be included. 

In some cases, surgical treatments might be on the table. This can include eyelid, eye muscle, or orbital decompression procedures. Radiation therapy is a potential option for combating inflammation, as well. 

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patients’ eyes are our priority. If you are concerned about thyroid eye disease or simply haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today. 

Understanding Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye condition that can rob a person of their sight. It is the second-leading cause of blindness in the world, and about 3 million Americans suffer from it.  

While African Americans are most at risk of developing glaucoma, with about six percent having it by age 69, anyone could have it. The occurrence rate increases dramatically with age, ultimately impacting every demographic.  

If you would like to learn more about glaucoma, here’s what you need to know.  

What Is Glaucoma?  

There are several kinds of glaucoma. The most common version is open-angle glaucoma, where fluid doesn’t pass properly through various portions of the eye. This leads to a pressure increase, which, over time, damages the optic nerve.  

With open-angle glaucoma, the process can be slow, but there are no early warning signs. About 50 percent of those with the condition don’t realize they have it until they begin to lose their vision. However, it is possible to catch it early with regular screenings and proper eye care.  

With closed-angle glaucoma, the situation develops more quickly. The iris shifts, blocking the drain angle and leading to rapid fluid buildup. Vision gets blurry suddenly, and severe eye pain, headaches, nausea, and vomiting can all occur. Additionally, halos or rainbow-colored rings may be visible around light sources.  

Closed-angle glaucoma requires immediate treatment. Otherwise, blindness can occur quickly.  

What Are Risk Factors for Glaucoma?  

Generally, those with the highest risk of developing glaucoma are African Americans over 40 years of age, anyone who is over 60 years of age, anyone with a family history of glaucoma, and individuals with diabetes. Overall, African Americans are up to eight times more likely to develop glaucoma, while people with diabetes are twice as likely as those without diabetes.  

Anyone suffering from heart disease or high blood pressure may also be at increased risk. Similarly, certain eye conditions, like retinal detachments or tumors, may lead to glaucoma. Severe trauma can cause alter eye structures, potentially causing glaucoma to develop, as well.  

Certain medications may also increase the chance of getting glaucoma. For example, prolonged corticosteroid use can cause someone to get secondary glaucoma as a side effect.  

Getting Screened for Glaucoma  

Open-angle glaucoma is a progressive condition. By getting your eyes checked regularly by an ophthalmologist or optometrist, they can look for signs of the disease before significant damage occurs.  

Along with gathering a patient history, they can perform visual acuity tests, use tonometry and pachymetry to measure eye pressure and corneal thickness, respectively, and conduct scans or the optic nerve to look for damage. If they determine you have glaucoma, they can take action to preserve your vision, including prescribing medications or performing surgery, depending on how your condition presents.  

While there is no cure for glaucoma, it can be managed. By catching it early, your chances of retaining your visual acuity go up dramatically. If you haven’t been screened for glaucoma recently or are experiencing any changes in visual acuity, it’s best to see your eye doctor as soon as possible.  

We’re Helping You See More Clearly 

Our team works diligently to care for our patients’ eyes, including screening for and treating glaucoma. If you want to ensure your eyes are as healthy as possible, schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic.