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What is Thyroid Eye Bulging?
Thyroid eye bulging, also known as Graves’ ophthalmopathy, is a condition that affects the eyelids, orbit, and muscles of the eyes. It is caused by an overactive thyroid gland, which causes the muscles and tissues around the eyes to swell and bulge. Symptoms of Graves’ ophthalmopathy include swelling of the eyelids and soft tissues around the eyes, red eyes, bulging of the eyes, double vision, and severe pain in the eyes.
What Causes Thyroid Eye Bulging?
Thyroid eye bulging is caused by an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). This condition can occur when the body produces too much of the hormone thyroxine, causing the muscles and tissues around the eyes to swell and bulge. Hyperthyroidism can be caused by Graves’ disease, other thyroid disorders, drugs, or radiation therapy for cancer.
How is Thyroid Eye Bulging Treated?
The treatment for thyroid eye bulging depends on its severity. In mild cases, ice packs and eye lubricants can help relieve the swelling and discomfort. In more severe cases, surgery may be required to remove excess muscle, fat, or tissue from the eyes. Other treatments include medications to reduce inflammation and swelling and radiation therapy to reduce the activity of the thyroid gland.
Key Takeaways:
- Thyroid Eye Bulging is a condition that affects the eyelids, orbit, and muscles of the eyes.
- It is caused by an overactive thyroid gland, which causes the muscles and tissues around the eyes to swell and bulge.
- Treatment for thyroid eye bulging depends on the severity, including medications, surgery, and radiation therapy.
