Thyroid Eye Disease
UConn Health has a multispecialty team of thyroid eye disease experts offering functional and aesthetic surgical treatment and the most advanced medical therapy. Led by Dr. Madina Falcone, our oculoplastic surgeon, in conjunction with our ophthalmology and endocrinology colleagues, an individualized treatment plan is created that is specifically tailored for you.
Thyroid eye disease (TED), also known as Graves' ophthalmopathy or thyroid-associated orbitopathy, refers to eye changes associated with thyroid disease. With TED, the tissues surrounding the eye can become inflamed and enlarged. This inflammation causes the eyes to become uncomfortable due to redness, tearing, and pressure and can also cause eye bulging, lead to double vision, or, in rare cases, lead to reduced vision or loss of sight.
Causes
TED can be seen in patients with hyperthyroidism due to Graves’ and in a patient with a history of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Treatments
There are many different options for treating thyroid eye disease. Some cases can be treated with medications, while others require surgery. Medications for treating TED include Tepezza and oral or Intravenous corticosteroids, and UConn Health administers more Tepezza than any other provider in the area.
If surgery is indicated, orbital decompression can treat the bulging of the eyes and compression of the optic nerve, which can result in vision compromise. Strabismus surgery can correct double vision, and eyelid surgery can help to restore the position of the eyelids.
Thyroid eye disease (TED) causes painful inflammation and swelling of the eye and can lead to a decrease or loss of vision. As Dr. Madina Falcone explains, there are a variety of different treatments, but the latest is the first FDA approved drug specifically for TED that is showing positive results.