Catch TED Symptoms Early with the Help of Your Local Houston, TX, Ophthalmologist

You may have heard of Graves' disease, an autoimmune condition that leads to hyperthyroidism. What you might not know is that Graves' disease can also affect the eyes, leading to a condition called thyroid eye disease (TED). TED can cause distressing symptoms, but recognizing them early is the key to getting the right treatment.

What Causes TED?

TED occurs when antibodies meant to attack the thyroid gland mistakenly go after tissues around the eyes. This leads to inflammation and swelling of the muscles and fatty tissues behind the eyes. The swelling pushes the eyes forward, affecting their function and appearance. TED often occurs along with hyperthyroidism, but it sometimes develops after thyroid levels normalize or even if you do not have a thyroid issue at all.

Early Signs to Watch For

Some of the earliest symptoms of TED include:

•           Gritty, dry, and red eyes

•           Excessive watering or irritation

•           Light sensitivity

•           Difficulty moving your eyes

•           A bulging appearance of the eyes

These early symptoms may come and go, at first. However, over time, they usually become persistent if TED progresses untreated. Do not ignore these subtle changes. You must act quickly to prevent vision loss.

Advanced Symptoms

As inflammation worsens, you may notice:

•           Significant bulging or protrusion of the eyes

•           Retraction or pulling back of the eyelids

•           Double vision

•           Decreased vision

•           Red or swollen eyelids

•           Constrained eye movements

Advanced TED can start to affect your appearance and visual function. So, it is important to see an ophthalmologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Do Not Delay Treatment

The symptoms of TED can be unpredictable. Some people progress rapidly, while others see gradual changes over many years. That is why it is critical to consult an ophthalmologist as soon as you notice any eye changes. Early treatment may help prevent vision loss and disfigurement.

Contact Thyroid Eyes at the Eye Wellness Center for an Appointment Today!

Here at Thyroid Eyes at the Eye Wellness Center in Houston, TX, our ophthalmology team specializes in thyroid eye disease. We offer advanced treatments, including clinical trials of cutting-edge therapies. If you would like to learn more about our clinical trials, contact us at (713) – 550 - 7877. The sooner you seek help, the better chance you have of protecting your vision and appearance.