FAQs

Thyroid Eye Disease, often referred to as TED, is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the tissues around the eyes, causing inflammation and swelling.¹ This can lead to symptoms like bulging eyes, double vision, eye pain, and even vision loss in more severe cases.^2,3 

Common symptoms of TED include eye bulging (proptosis), redness, dryness, irritation, watery eyes, sensitivity to light, double vision, and in some cases, difficulty moving the eyes.¹ In severe cases, TED can lead to vision loss if the optic nerve is affected.^3,4

Yes, TED can ‘flare’, meaning that signs and symptoms may return or worsen. In a study, approximately 15% of TED patients (or 62 of 415 people) experienced flares regardless of how the disease had been treated.⁵

TED occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the muscles and tissues around the eyes.¹ This immune response causes inflammation, swelling, and sometimes damage to these tissues.¹ Although the exact cause of TED isn’t fully understood, there are several factors that can increase the risk of developing the condition.^6,7,8  

TED is most commonly seen in people with Graves’ disease,^9,10 but it can also occur in people with Hashimoto’s (hypothyroidism) or people without a thyroid condition.¹¹ Smoking significantly increases the risk and severity of TED. Women are more likely to develop TED than men, and it usually occurs in people over the age of 40.^5,6,7  

If possible, it’s best that an endocrinologist (hormone doctor) and an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) or oculoplastic surgeon work closely together to manage TED.¹² You may be referred to a specialist centre to ensure correct and timely diagnosis and treatment. You may also be looked after by doctors (and other healthcare professionals) with additional training on your specific conditions. These doctors may include endocrinologists, oculoplastic surgeons and neuro ophthalmologists, orthoptists, among others.

TED is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests like CT or MRI scans to assess the tissues around the eyes.¹⁵ Blood tests to check thyroid levels and antibodies can help confirm an autoimmune thyroid connection.¹⁴

Yes, TED can be treated. Early intervention can help manage symptoms and prevent progression. Treatments may include medications and, in some cases, surgery.¹⁶ 

Yes, TED can be treated at any time regardless of how long ago the diagnosis was, or what symptoms are being experienced.

Many people think Graves’ disease and Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) are the same. That’s because people often have both diseases at the same time but TED and Graves’ disease are two separate conditions that require different treatment.^17,18 If you have Graves’ disease, your body’s immune system attacks the thyroid. If you have TED, your body’s immune system attacks the tissues behind your eyes.¹⁹ 

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the thyroid by mistake and causes it to become overactive. This is known as hyperthyroidism. The overactive thyroid makes more thyroid hormone than your body needs, which can cause a number of health problems.¹⁸ 

Graves' disease is caused by a malfunction in the immune system. The body produces antibodies known as thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs) that mistakenly target the thyroid, causing it to produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormones.¹⁸ While the exact trigger is unknown, genetic factors, stress, infections, and environmental factors may play a role.¹⁸ 

Symptoms of Graves' disease can vary but often include weight loss, rapid or irregular heartbeat, heat intolerance, sweating, anxiety, tremors, and fatigue. If left untreated, Graves’ disease can lead to serious health issues.¹⁸ 

Yes, Graves' disease can be treated. Common treatments include antithyroid medications, which reduce thyroid hormone production, and radioactive iodine therapy, which destroys overactive thyroid cells.²⁰ In some cases, surgery to remove the thyroid gland may be recommended.²¹ It is important to remember that treating your Graves’ disease will not treat your TED. 

Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) is an autoimmune condition that often occurs in people with Graves' disease.¹ In TED, the immune system attacks the tissues around the eyes, leading to symptoms such as eye bulging, dryness, and vision changes. Not everyone with Graves' disease will develop TED, but the two conditions are related.¹ TED and Graves’ are separate conditions that require different treatment.^16,17