Many body functioning processes are affected by the thyroid gland including metabolism. This endocrine gland is butterfly shaped and manufactures and secretes Thyroxin or T4 in response to TSH being released from the pituitary gland. The thyroid gland responds to this by secreting the necessary amount of thyroid hormone into the blood stream.
If there is not enough T4 in the system, it is classified as hypothyroidism. On the other hand, if there is too much thyroid hormone it is called hyperthyroidism. Both conditions are autoimmune diseases denoting thyroid hormone imbalance that can show outward signs of its existence, such as thyroid eye disease.
What Is Thyroid Eye Disease?
Thyroid eye disease, or TED, is characterized by the protrusion of the eyeballs. It is most prevalent in Graves disease, caused by an overproduction of thyroid hormone or hyperthyroidism, also known as overactive thyroid. This condition also presents itself when thyroid hormone levels are normal (euthyroid), as well as when there is inefficient thyroid hormone (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.
The effects of thyroid disease have an impact on the eye muscles that become swollen, pushing the eyeball forward. Other causes may include infection of the eye, enlarged blood vessels, and tumors. The bulging may occur in one or both eyes. Approximately 80 percent of all patients with TED have Graves' disease due to hyperactive thyroid. Other cases involve Hashimoto's thyroiditis Hashitoxicosis, or 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: Involves removing the bone between the orbit (the cavity holding the eyeball) and the surrounding sinuses. This allows for more space for swollen tissues behind the eye resulting in decreased eyeball protrusion and reduction of optic nerve pressure.
Eye muscle surgery: This procedure aims to correct the misaligned eye muscles, improving single vision in the straight-ahead gaze and the down gaze. However, proper eye alignment may require more than one surgery.
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. - 29958
If there is not enough T4 in the system, it is classified as hypothyroidism. On the other hand, if there is too much thyroid hormone it is called hyperthyroidism. Both conditions are autoimmune diseases denoting thyroid hormone imbalance that can show outward signs of its existence, such as thyroid eye disease.
What Is Thyroid Eye Disease?
Thyroid eye disease, or TED, is characterized by the protrusion of the eyeballs. It is most prevalent in Graves disease, caused by an overproduction of thyroid hormone or hyperthyroidism, also known as overactive thyroid. This condition also presents itself when thyroid hormone levels are normal (euthyroid), as well as when there is inefficient thyroid hormone (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.
The effects of thyroid disease have an impact on the eye muscles that become swollen, pushing the eyeball forward. Other causes may include infection of the eye, enlarged blood vessels, and tumors. The bulging may occur in one or both eyes. Approximately 80 percent of all patients with TED have Graves' disease due to hyperactive thyroid. Other cases involve Hashimoto's thyroiditis Hashitoxicosis, or 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: Involves removing the bone between the orbit (the cavity holding the eyeball) and the surrounding sinuses. This allows for more space for swollen tissues behind the eye resulting in decreased eyeball protrusion and reduction of optic nerve pressure.
Eye muscle surgery: This procedure aims to correct the misaligned eye muscles, improving single vision in the straight-ahead gaze and the down gaze. However, proper eye alignment may require more than one surgery.
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. - 29958
About the Author:
A licensed registered nurse and passionate writer, Barb Hicks loves to write and share her knowledge. You can find her articles about Thyroid Disease Treatment and Thyroid Disorders Tests on Clivir.com.
