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The Basics of Thyroid Eye Disease
Thyroid eye disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the eyes and the orbit, or eye socket. It is also known as Graves’ ophthalmology, or orbital disease. It is caused by an excess of antibodies that attack tissues in the eye socket and orbit, leading to inflammation and swelling. The most common signs and symptoms of thyroid eye disease include bulging eyes, redness and edema, diminished vision, dry eyes, and protruding or droopy eyelids. Treatment of the condition may involve medication, surgery, or a combination of the two.
Signs and Symptoms of Thyroid Eye Disease
The signs and symptoms of thyroid eye disease can range from mild and hardly noticeable to very severe. Common signs and symptoms of the disorder include:
- Bulging eyes: Characterized by an outward protrusion of the eyeball.
- Redness and edema: Redness and swelling may occur around the eyes and eyelids.
- Diminished vision: Difficulty in seeing clearly.
- Dry eyes: Excessive dryness in the eyes.
- Protruding or drooping eyelids: A symptom of a bulging eye.
Treatment of Thyroid Eye Disease
Treatment of thyroid eye disease will depend on the severity of symptoms. In some cases, medication may be used to slow the progress of the condition and reduce the swelling. Other treatments may involve surgery to remove the affected tissue or repair damaged muscles in the eye socket. The most common surgeries to treat the condition are:
- Orbital decompression: Involves removing the bones from the periorbit, or the fibrous tissue surrounding the eye socket.
- Lid-tightening surgeries: Involve altering the eyelid muscles to reduce the protrusion of the eyes.
- Eye muscle surgery: Involves altering the eye muscles to improve the movement of the eyes.
The Key To Treating Thyroid Eye Disease
The key to treating thyroid eye disease is early diagnosis and prompt treatment. By controlling the inflammation and swelling, the progression of the condition can be slowed. Treatment of thyroid eye disease can be difficult and require the care of an experienced ophthalmologist, but with the right treatment, patients can expect to experience relief from the symptoms.
If you are concerned that you may be suffering from thyroid eye disease, it is important to talk to your doctor as soon as possible to discuss your symptoms and treatment options.
Keywords:Thyroid Eye Disease, Graves’ Ophthalmology, Orbital Disease, Bulging Eyes, Redness and Edema, Diminished Vision, Dry Eyes, Protruding Eyelids, Orbital Decompression, Lid Tightening Surgeries, Eye Muscle Surgery.
