Your thyroid gland controls many body processes such as the rate of metabolism. This butterfly-shaped endocrine gland manufactures and secretes thyroxin (T4) in response to the release of TSH from the pituitary gland. The thyroid responds by producing and secreting the needed 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?
Thyroid eye disease, or TED, is characterized by the protrusion of the eyeballs. It is most prevalent in Graves disease, caused by an overproduction of thyroid hormone or hyperthyroidism, also known as overactive thyroid. This condition also presents itself when thyroid hormone levels are normal (euthyroid), as well as when there is inefficient thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) present in the body.
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.
The effects of thyroid disease have an impact on the eye muscles that become swollen, pushing the eyeball forward. Other causes may include infection of the eye, enlarged blood vessels, and tumors. The bulging may occur in one or both eyes. Approximately 80 percent of all patients with TED have Graves' disease due to hyperactive thyroid. Other cases involve Hashimoto's thyroiditis Hashitoxicosis, or 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 specialized surgery focuses on removing the bone between the cavity surrounding the eye or the orbit and the surrounding sinuses. The result is additional space for swelling behind the eyes while decreasing protrusion and pressure on the optic nerve.
Eye muscle surgery: This procedure aims to correct the misaligned eye muscles, improving single vision in the straight-ahead gaze and the down gaze. However, proper eye alignment may require more than one surgery.
Eyelid surgery: People who suffer from Graves' ophthalmopathy, have the distinct malformation of eyelids that are too wide. This procedure works to correct this as much as possible in order to give the patient a look that is as close to normal as possible.
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?
Thyroid eye disease, or TED, is characterized by the protrusion of the eyeballs. It is most prevalent in Graves disease, caused by an overproduction of thyroid hormone or hyperthyroidism, also known as overactive thyroid. This condition also presents itself when thyroid hormone levels are normal (euthyroid), as well as when there is inefficient thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) present in the body.
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.
The effects of thyroid disease have an impact on the eye muscles that become swollen, pushing the eyeball forward. Other causes may include infection of the eye, enlarged blood vessels, and tumors. The bulging may occur in one or both eyes. Approximately 80 percent of all patients with TED have Graves' disease due to hyperactive thyroid. Other cases involve Hashimoto's thyroiditis Hashitoxicosis, or 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 specialized surgery focuses on removing the bone between the cavity surrounding the eye or the orbit and the surrounding sinuses. The result is additional space for swelling behind the eyes while decreasing protrusion and pressure on the optic nerve.
Eye muscle surgery: This procedure aims to correct the misaligned eye muscles, improving single vision in the straight-ahead gaze and the down gaze. However, proper eye alignment may require more than one surgery.
Eyelid surgery: People who suffer from Graves' ophthalmopathy, have the distinct malformation of eyelids that are too wide. This procedure works to correct this as much as possible in order to give the patient a look that is as close to normal as possible.
About the Author:
A licensed registered nurse and passionate writer, Barb Hicks loves to write and share her knowledge. You can find her articles about Symptoms of Thyroid Disease and Thyroid Disorders Tests on Clivir.com.
