Managing Thyroid Eye Disease

Thyroid eye disease (TED) is irritation and inflammation around your eyes. You can probably guess from its name that it’s a possible complication of having a thyroid condition. Talk to your healthcare provider if you know you have a thyroid issue and notice any changes in your eyes or vision.

What does thyroid eye disease feel like?

TED symptoms can vary. But it will probably feel like something is irritating or bothering your eyes. You’ll notice swelling, skin discoloration or vision changes.

How do you reduce swelling from thyroid eye disease?

It’s important to manage the inflammation from TED. If it’s not treated it can damage the sensitive tissue in and around your eyes. Your provider will suggest ways to reduce it during TED’s active phase.

A combination of treatments should help you manage symptoms when they happen and — hopefully — reduce how often you experience them.

Eye drops

Over-the-counter eye drops can lubricate your eyes, combat dryness and reduce irritation. Some types of eye drops can also relieve pain.

Supplements

Taking a selenium supplement supports your overall eye health. It may also reduce how often you experience TED symptoms.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy can destroy extra immune cells. This will reduce inflammation in and around your eyes.

Surgery

Your healthcare provider might recommend a few types of surgery. Which kind you’ll need depends on a lot of factors (and how well other treatments work). Talk to your provider about what’s working and what isn’t. They’ll help you understand all the options.