A: Thyroid Eye Disease refers to eye/eye area issues associated with thyroid diseases. These issues cause “bulging” eyes, resulting from the following symptoms:
- Swelling (edema)
- Eye protrusion
- Eyelid retraction
- Double vision (caused by hypertrophied contracted eye muscles)
- Excessive orbital fat
Symptomatic treatment includes eye drops and steroids, but such treatment is ineffective for one-third of sufferers. These cases may necessitate a series of eyelid/orbital procedures. Patience through a series of procedures may be necessary, as thyroid eye disease treatment is complex.