Thyroid Eye Disease

It is a condition associated with Graves' disease. Inflammation occurs in the eye muscles and tissues. The eyes may become swollen and bulging. Double vision and sensitivity to light may occur. Thyroid eye disease When it is seen, dry eyes are often experienced. There is a risk of vision loss in advanced cases. If left untreated, it can seriously affect eye health. Early diagnosis is important. Treatment can be done with medications or surgical methods. Hormonal balance should be provided.

What are the symptoms of thyroid eye disease?

Swelling may occur around the eyes. The eyelids may feel swollen and full. Significant redness may occur in the white of the eye. There may be a burning, stinging, and dry feeling. Thyroid eye disease The characteristic symptom is the protrusion of the eyes. This can affect facial aesthetics and visual function. Double vision may occur due to the effect on the eye muscles. There may be a limitation in eye movements. Bright lights may be uncomfortable. It is common for the eyes to feel tired and sensitive. There may be an increase or decrease in tear production.

There may be a constant feeling of watering or dryness in the eyes. The upper eyelid is pulled up more than normal, making the eyes appear wider. In advanced stages, vision loss may occur due to optic nerve compression. Color fading and blurred vision may occur. Thyroid eye disease The symptoms may vary from person to person. It may start in a mild form and become more severe over time. If any of the symptoms are seen, it is important to consult an ophthalmologist and endocrinologist. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to maintaining eye health.

What Causes Thyroid Eye Disease?

It develops as an autoimmune disease. The immune system attacks the body's own tissues, the muscles and connective tissues around the eyes. It causes inflammation and swelling. This process is usually associated with Graves' disease, but can also occur in other thyroid diseases. As in Graves' disease, an overactive thyroid gland produces too much hormone. This triggers the immune system to attack the tissues around the eyes. Thyroid eye disease can cause. Genetic factors can increase the risk of developing the disease. This condition is more common in individuals with a family history of autoimmune disease. Smoking is a significant environmental factor that increases the risk.

Smoking can increase inflammation by affecting the immune system. It can worsen the course of the disease. Physical or emotional stress can affect the immune system. It can contribute to the emergence of the disease. In addition, fluctuations in hormone levels in women are among the risk factors. In some cases, radioactive iodine therapy used in treatment increases the onset or severity of eye disease. Therefore, the treatment plan should be carefully evaluated. As a result of these reasons, symptoms such as swelling around the eyes, protrusion of the eyes, double vision and sensitivity to light occur. Early diagnosis and treatment, thyroid eye disease is of great importance in keeping the situation under control.

How Is Thyroid Eye Disease Treated?

Corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation and swelling. They can be given intravenously (by IV) or by mouth. Immunosuppressive drugs are used to reduce the immune system's overreaction. Low-dose radiation therapy is sometimes used to reduce inflammation in the eye muscles. Artificial tear drops can be used during the day to prevent dry eyes. It is recommended that the eyelids be closed at night to prevent the eyes from being open. Wearing sunglasses is helpful to reduce sensitivity to light and to protect the eyes from wind. Orbital decompression surgery is done in severe cases to reduce the pressure behind the eye. This procedure can prevent vision loss. Eyelid surgery is performed to correct deformities in the eyelids for aesthetic and functional purposes.

Strabismus surgery is performed to correct the alignment of the eyes. Thyroid eye disease, is usually associated with overactivity or underactivity of the thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). Radioactive iodine treatment can be used to shrink the thyroid gland. Antithyroid drugs control thyroid hormone production. Some or all of the thyroid gland may need to be removed. Smoking can worsen the disease. Quitting smoking can increase the success of treatment. Elevating the head while sleeping can reduce eye swelling in the morning. Regular eye examinations and thyroid function tests are part of the treatment process. Collaboration with an ophthalmologist and endocrinologist helps control the disease. Treatment is planned individually according to the course of the disease and requires a multidisciplinary approach. It is important to see a specialist early if you have symptoms.