What Is Thyroid Eye Disease and How Our Houston, TX, Ophthalmologist Can Help

Some eye conditions are relatively easy to understand as they are byproducts of genetics or bad habits. Others, like thyroid eye disease (TED), are harder to grasp and treat. We at Thyroid Eyes at the Eye Wellness Center can help if you suspect you have TED. Drop by our ophthalmology office in Houston, TX, so we can properly diagnose and treat your condition.

Learning more about TED can help you manage the disease more effectively. Continue reading below to understand how you can handle that condition with the help of our ophthalmologist near you.

Symptoms and Causes of TED

TED can be a difficult condition to manage because of its unknown origins. We know that the disease occurs when the immune system starts attacking the thyroid gland and the structures around the eyes. In some cases, the unusual reaction of the immune system also leads to the increased production of the thyroid hormone, but that does not always happen. Many people suffering from Graves’ disease often develop TED but this is also not always the case.

Unfortunately, we still do not know why that reaction occurs. A future clinical trial may uncover the true cause of TED. For now, we only know that having a family history of Graves’ Disease can increase a person’s chances of developing that condition.

Symptoms commonly associated with TED include swelling, bulging eyes, eyelid retraction, dry eyes, vision changes, and eye discomfort. If you are experiencing those symptoms currently, you should arrange a visit to our ophthalmology office as soon as possible.

Treatments for TED

Although we still do not know the underlying cause of TED, we have devised methods for treating it. Likely, our ophthalmologist will recommend lifestyle changes and medications that can help with your symptoms.

The lifestyle recommendations may include increased usage of sunglasses and cold compresses on your eyes. Our ophthalmologist may also urge you to rest more and stop smoking if you have that habit.

Medications prescribed by our eye doctor can ease the swelling around your eyes. We can also prescribe eye drops that can reduce irritation and dryness. A clinical trial may also reveal more effective medication for TED.

Surgery is an option for treating thyroid eye disease, but that may only be considered if you have significant eyelid retraction or bulging. We can provide referrals if needed.

TED Management and Treatment Courtesy of Our Ophthalmologist Near You

We at Thyroid Eyes at the Eye Wellness Center can help manage your TED. Contact our office in Houston, TX, to learn more about the condition or to schedule an appointment. If you would like to learn more about our clinical trials, contact us at 713-550-7877.