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Have you noticed changes in your eyes, like bulging, dryness, or irritation? For some, these symptoms can be a sign of Thyroid Eye Disorder (TED), a condition often linked to an overactive thyroid, particularly Graves’ disease. TED doesn’t just affect your appearance; it can cause discomfort, impact vision, and even lead to long-term eye complications if left untreated.
The good news? Effective treatments are available at Kirk Eye Center to manage symptoms, protect your vision, and help you feel like yourself again.
What Are Thyroid Eye Disorders?
Thyroid eye disorders are eye problems that may occur when the thyroid gland does not produce the normal amount of thyroid hormones
The thyroid gland, which is located in the neck, produces hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism. Metabolism is the rate at which the body’s cells do their work. Your heart rate and the rate at which you burn calories reflect your metabolism. When your metabolism is not normal, eye problems may develop. Not all thyroid disorders cause eye problems.
What Causes Thyroid Eye Disorders?
Thyroid eye problems are usually caused by hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone). Rarely hypothyroidism (too little thyroid hormone) can affect your eyes.
What Are the Symptoms?
At first, thyroid problems may not produce many eye symptoms. Later, symptoms of thyroid eye disorders may include:
- Bulging eyes. The eyes are pushed forward, and you appear to stare. Bulging may occur in one or both eyes and in different amounts.
- A scratchy or gritty feeling in your eyes, especially when you wake up.
- Eyelids that do not close completely or cover less of the eye than normal when you are awake.
- Dry eye, which can occur when eyelids do not close normally. Constant dry eye can damage the cornea (the clear dome on the front of the eye).
- Tearing, which is your body’s response to dry eye.
- Lid lag (for example, the eyelid does not move down correctly when you look down).
- Swelling, which can occur in many places, including:
- Upper and lower eyelids
- Tissues around your eyes
- The conjunctiva (the clear tissue that lines the eyelids and covers part of the eye)
- Blood vessels and other tissues inside the eye socket
- The optic nerve, which carries images to the brain
- The muscles that control the movement of the eye.
- Increased sensitivity to light.
- Blurred vision, sometimes with reduced color vision.
- Double vision, which may occur occasionally at first and then becomes more constant.
- Limited eye movement because of swelling in the muscles around the eye. One eye may be more limited than the other. The direction of movement may be different for each eye.
How Are These Disorders Diagnosed?
Your doctor will look at how much your eye bulges out. He or she may press gently on your eye through the eyelid to see how firm it is. (A very firm eye may have a tumor behind it.) Your doctor will look at the inside of your eye through an ophthalmoscope to see if there is any swelling or inflammation. Your doctor will ask you to look in all directions to check your eye muscles. He or she will check your color vision and pupils to see if your optic nerve has been damaged by the swelling of your eye muscles.
Various lab tests may be needed, including tests for:
- An infection caused by bacteria
- Hormone levels
- Thyroid function.
A test showing normal thyroid levels does not rule out thyroid disorders. You may still have eye problems that need treatment.
If needed, your doctor may order an ultrasound, a CT scan, or an MRI, which provide images of the inside of your eyes and eye sockets. These tests may show what is causing your symptoms.
Who Is Most At Risk for Thyroid Eye Disorders?
The most at-risk demographic for thyroid eye disorders is typically women. However, several other lifestyle habits may increase your risk of developing thyroid eye disorders, such as smoking or being exposed to secondhand smoke, constant stress, and untreated thyroid disorders. People between the ages of 40 and 60 years old may also be at higher risk for thyroid eye disorders.
What Happens If I Leave My Thyroid Eye Disorder Untreated?
In its active phase, thyroid eye disease may last between one to three years. If left untreated, the progressing disorder, which involves inflammation on the nerve at the back of the eye and the formation of ulcers on the cornea, may cause damage to your vision, leading to double vision, blurred vision, dull color, and in severe cases, blindness. Because thyroid eye disorders may permanently damage your vision, it’s important you see your eye doctor if you feel you are experiencing any symptoms of this condition.
What Are the Treatment Options?
Thyroid eye disorders can be treated in a variety of ways. Some thyroid problems get better in time with no treatment. Your doctor may decide to do nothing at first and have you schedule regular follow-up visits.
Medicines that may help include:
- Drugs to regulate the production of thyroid hormones
- Steroids to reduce inflammation and swelling
- A mild diuretic to reduce swelling
- Artificial tears to keep the eyes wet
Surgery can be performed for various reasons. These include:
- Changing the shape of eyelids so they close better
- Changing the shape of eye sockets in the skull to provide room for swollen tissues
- Removing the thyroid gland to cure hyperthyroidism
- Altering the muscles, to relieve double vision
Some surgery, particularly that to improve your appearance, should be done only after treatment has reduced most of your symptoms.
Other measures that may help include:
- Raising the head of your bed, which may help reduce the amount of fluid around your eyes
- Taping your eyes shut at night to keep them moist
- Wearing prism glasses to correct double vision
- Having radiation treatments to reduce the size of the thyroid gland
- Radiation treatments to reduce inflammation of the eye muscles
Some thyroid problems cannot be cured, such as a disorder called Graves’ disease. Often thyroid problems can be well controlled and do not affect your eyes. Usually your doctor can help reduce any bothersome symptoms you may have.
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How Long Do the Effects Last?
Some of the effects last as long as hyperthyroidism exists. For example, 8 weeks of antithyroid medicine reduces many of the problems of Graves’ disease. Other drugs may take 6 months to 1 year to regulate your level of thyroid hormones.
Some symptoms, such as tearing and a scratchy feeling in your eyes, can be relieved by using medicine for a few days. Steroids can reduce swelling and inflammation in a few days to a few weeks.
Problems that can be treated by surgery usually do not return if the surgery is done after the hyperthyroidism is under control.
Occasionally, eye problems appear, continue, or worsen after treatment for thyroid disorders is underway. Be sure that you have regular checkups so your doctor knows about any problems you have. Some thyroid eye disorders can lead to blindness if not treated.
How Can Thyroid Eye Disorders Be Prevented?
Usually thyroid problems can’t be prevented. However, serious problems with your eyes and blindness can be prevented by early diagnosis and treatment. Have regular checkups. Contact Kirk Eye Center if you develop any symptoms that concern you. Call us at (970) 669 – 1107 or complete the form on this page.
Why Choose Kirk Eye Center
When treating Thyroid Eye Disorder, choosing the right eye care provider is essential for protecting your vision and overall eye health. At Kirk Eye Center, we’ve been providing comprehensive ophthalmology and optometry services to patients since 1991. Led by Dr. John Kirk, a board-certified ophthalmologist, our team focuses on personalized, high-quality care using the latest advancements in eye health. Dr. Kirk, a Colorado native, has spent most of his life in this community, and he is honored to provide state-of-the-art treatment options to his patients-including those with complex conditions like TED.
What sets Kirk Eye Center apart is our patient-first approach. We take the time to truly understand your needs, ensuring you never feel rushed during your visit. Dr. Kirk stays at the forefront of medical advancements, adopting the latest treatments to provide the most effective care. With a fully licensed and accredited outpatient surgery center within our facility, you will have seamless and convenient care under one roof without having to juggle multiple specialists. Whether you’re experiencing mild TED symptoms or require advanced medical intervention, you can trust Kirk Eye Center to provide expertise, compassionate care, and the latest treatment options to help protect your vision and improve your quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
TED has two stages:
- Active (Inflammatory) Phase – Symptoms worsen with inflammation and eye changes over months to years.
- Chronic (Stable) Phase – Inflammation subsides, but permanent changes may remain.
Mild cases may improve, but moderate to severe TED typically requires medical intervention.
It depends on symptom severity. Dryness and eye protrusion can make contacts uncomfortable, so you may need lubricating drops or special lenses.
- Use lubricating eye drops for dryness
- Wear sunglasses to protect against light sensitivity
- Apply cool compresses to reduce swelling
- Elevate your head while sleeping to minimize puffiness
- Quit smoking – It worsens TED progression
- Manage thyroid levels – Work with your doctor to keep hormones stable
- Reduce stress – It can contribute to inflammation
- Eat a balanced diet – Nutrient-rich foods support eye health
While there is no absolute cure, treatments and lifestyle changes can effectively manage symptoms and prevent complications.
While TED typically stabilizes after treatment, symptoms can return, especially if thyroid levels fluctuate or smoking continues.
Protect Your Vision with Thyroid Eye Disorder Treatment in Loveland, CO
If you’re experiencing symptoms of Thyroid Eye Disorder, seek early diagnosis and treatment to help preserve your vision and comfort. Don’t wait to get the expert care you deserve-call 970-669-1107 today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward healthier eyes.
