Your thyroid gland controls many body processes such as the rate of metabolism. This butterfly-shaped endocrine gland manufactures and secretes thyroxin (T4) in response to the release of TSH from the pituitary gland. The thyroid responds by producing and secreting the needed amount of thyroid hormone into the blood stream.
There are two types of thyroid disease. First, hypothyroidism which is characterized by a lack of efficient thyroid hormone being present in the body. The second is hyperthyroidism which is present when too much thyroid hormone is present in the body. Both of these illnesses are classified as autoimmune diseases. There existence is often recognized when thyroid eye disease presents itself.
What Is Thyroid Eye Disease?
TED or thyroid eye disease is characterized by the protrusion of the eyeballs. This disease is most common in those with Graves Disease, hyperthyroidism or over active thyroid. However, TED can present itself when thyroid levels are normal in the body or euthyroid as well as when there is an inefficient amount of thyroid hormone or hypothyroidism present in the body.
Another name for this disease is exophthalmia, as well as orbitapathy and ophthalmopathy. The condition can progress to the point that it prevents the eyelids from closing completely, leading to dryness and irritation of the eyeball. Many times, it may be necessary to tape the eyelids shut during sleep to avoid further eye damage.
Thyroid disease affects the eye by creating swelling in the eye muscles. This results in forcing the eyeball forward. Other causes for this condition include infection of the eye, enlarged blood vessels, and tumors. Furthermore, TED can affect just one or both of the sufferers eyes. About 80% of people suffering with TED also have Graves Disease or hyperthyroidism. There are however other illnesses that can result in TED including Hashimoto's thyroiditis Hashitoxicosis and atrophic thyroiditis.
Signs and Symptoms of TED:
Proptosis (exophthalmos or bulging) Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eye) Dryness Eyelid retraction Eyelid lag Twitching Redness Itching Double vision Retrobulbar pain Pain on or behind the eye Chemosis (edema or swelling) Swelling Blurriness Eye muscle paralysis Corneal irritation leading to corneal inflammation Difficulty moving the eyes Foreign body sensation Formation of scar tissue Lacrimation (tearing) Sensitivity to light Upper eyelid droop Staring Visual impairment
Surgical Treatment:
Orbital decompression surgery: This type of surgery involves the removal of the orbit one or the bone between the cavity holding the eyeball or the orbit and the surrounding sinuses. This procedure allows for additional space to accommodate swelling behind the eye as well as resulting in a decrease in protrusion and reduction of pressure on the optic nerve.
Eye muscle surgery: This surgery's main focus is to realign the eye muscles. Successful completion of this procedure will provide improved single vision in both the straight-ahead and down gaze positions.
Eyelid surgery: In those patients suffering from Graves' ophthalmopathy, the eyelid tends to be quite wide. This procedure is used to reduce this, giving the patient an appearance as close to normal as possible.
There are two types of thyroid disease. First, hypothyroidism which is characterized by a lack of efficient thyroid hormone being present in the body. The second is hyperthyroidism which is present when too much thyroid hormone is present in the body. Both of these illnesses are classified as autoimmune diseases. There existence is often recognized when thyroid eye disease presents itself.
What Is Thyroid Eye Disease?
TED or thyroid eye disease is characterized by the protrusion of the eyeballs. This disease is most common in those with Graves Disease, hyperthyroidism or over active thyroid. However, TED can present itself when thyroid levels are normal in the body or euthyroid as well as when there is an inefficient amount of thyroid hormone or hypothyroidism present in the body.
Another name for this disease is exophthalmia, as well as orbitapathy and ophthalmopathy. The condition can progress to the point that it prevents the eyelids from closing completely, leading to dryness and irritation of the eyeball. Many times, it may be necessary to tape the eyelids shut during sleep to avoid further eye damage.
Thyroid disease affects the eye by creating swelling in the eye muscles. This results in forcing the eyeball forward. Other causes for this condition include infection of the eye, enlarged blood vessels, and tumors. Furthermore, TED can affect just one or both of the sufferers eyes. About 80% of people suffering with TED also have Graves Disease or hyperthyroidism. There are however other illnesses that can result in TED including Hashimoto's thyroiditis Hashitoxicosis and atrophic thyroiditis.
Signs and Symptoms of TED:
Proptosis (exophthalmos or bulging) Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eye) Dryness Eyelid retraction Eyelid lag Twitching Redness Itching Double vision Retrobulbar pain Pain on or behind the eye Chemosis (edema or swelling) Swelling Blurriness Eye muscle paralysis Corneal irritation leading to corneal inflammation Difficulty moving the eyes Foreign body sensation Formation of scar tissue Lacrimation (tearing) Sensitivity to light Upper eyelid droop Staring Visual impairment
Surgical Treatment:
Orbital decompression surgery: This type of surgery involves the removal of the orbit one or the bone between the cavity holding the eyeball or the orbit and the surrounding sinuses. This procedure allows for additional space to accommodate swelling behind the eye as well as resulting in a decrease in protrusion and reduction of pressure on the optic nerve.
Eye muscle surgery: This surgery's main focus is to realign the eye muscles. Successful completion of this procedure will provide improved single vision in both the straight-ahead and down gaze positions.
Eyelid surgery: In those patients suffering from Graves' ophthalmopathy, the eyelid tends to be quite wide. This procedure is used to reduce this, giving the patient an appearance as close to normal as possible.
About the Author:
Barb Hicks is a registered nurse and experience writer who loves to share her knowledge. She is a featured writer on Clivir.com where she shares more information about Low Thyroid Level Treatment and Thyroid Cancer Diagnostics .
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