The symptoms of thyroid eye disease are similar to those of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, and it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of thyroid eye disease in order to diagnose the disease and treat it.
Thyroid Eye Disease Treatment
Treatment for thyroid eye disease depends on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, a doctor may recommend lifestyle changes and medications to reduce inflammation and control symptoms. In more severe cases, surgery may be needed to reposition the eye muscles, improve vision, and reduce the risk of vision loss.
Recently, the FDA-approved drug, Tepezza, has been used to treat moderate to severe thyroid eye disease. The drug, also known as teprotumumab-trbw, works by blocking a protein in the body that causes inflammation in TED patients. While the drug has been effective in reducing inflammation and improving vision in some cases, it has been linked to some serious side effects, including severe hearing loss. As a result, in 2021, Tepezza was recalled from the market due to the potential for serious personal injury and death.
Individuals who have taken Tepezza and experienced serious side effects are now filing lawsuits against Horizon Therapeutics, the manufacturer of the drug. Victims of Tepezza are seeking compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
1. Dry Eyes
Dry eyes are one of the most common symptoms of thyroid eye disease. It is not known exactly why people with thyroid eye disease have dry eyes. It may be due to an overactive thyroid gland or due to a lack of oil in the tear glands.
The first thing you should do when you suspect your eyes are dry is to talk to your doctor. If your doctor thinks your eyes are dry, they may prescribe eye drops or an eyedrop solution to help your eyes feel better.
If you have dry eyes due to thyroid eye disease, you may also experience a burning sensation or stinging in your eyes. You may feel that your eyes are more sensitive to light, and you may have a harder time focusing on objects.
2. Vision Problems
Vision problems are another symptom of thyroid eye disease. When your eyes are dry, it is hard for them to produce tears. This can make your vision blurry and cause eye strain. If you have dry eyes, you may also experience a burning or stinging sensation in your eyes when you look at bright lights or when you read.
Your vision may also become blurry and you may experience a loss of depth perception. You may also experience double vision, halos around lights, or a white haze around lights. Your vision may also become more distorted, such as seeing two images of yourself in mirrors. You may also experience a loss of peripheral vision.
Your vision problems may be due to any kind of eye disease or injury, such as glaucoma or cataracts. Some people with thyroid eye disease have had their vision corrected with laser surgery or intraocular lenses.
3. Red Eyes
Red eyes are another symptom of thyroid eye disease that are often mistaken for allergy symptoms, such as hay fever. In fact, some people with thyroid eye disease have an allergy to pollen, but these symptoms are not related to an allergy. If you have red eyes due to thyroid eye disease, it could be a sign that your eyes are irritated by inflammation or infection. You should talk to your doctor about your symptoms. If your doctor thinks your eyes are red due to an infection, they may prescribe an antibiotic.
4. Eyelid Puffiness
Eyelid puffiness is another symptom of thyroid eye disease that is often mistaken for allergies or sinusitis. If you have puffiness in your eyelids due to thyroid eye disease, it could also be a sign that your eyes are irritated by inflammation or infection. You should talk to your doctor about your symptoms. If your doctor thinks your eyes are red due to an infection, they may prescribe an antibiotic.
5. Eye Strain Or Fatigue
Eye strain or fatigue is sometimes mistaken for allergies or sinusitis, but if you have eye strain or fatigue caused by thyroid eye disease, it could be a sign of inflammation or infection. You should talk to your doctor about your symptoms if you think that your eyes are red due to an infection. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic if they think it is necessary.
6. Bulging Eyes
Bulging eyes are often mistaken for allergies or sinusitis, but if you have bulging eyes caused by thyroid eye disease, it could be a sign of inflammation or infection. You should talk to your doctor about your symptoms if you think that your eyes are red due to an infection. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic if they think it is necessary.
7. Blepharitis
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid that can be caused by various infections, medications (such as antibiotics), and other diseases and disorders.4 The eyelids can become red and swollen and it may look like a pimple or boil on the eyelid. If you have blepharitis due to thyroid eye disease, it could cause redness, swelling and irritation in the eyelids and even make them feel tender and painful to touch. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic if they think it is necessary.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it is important to consult your doctor. You may need to have an examination or test to determine the cause of your symptoms. If your doctor believes that your eyes are red due to an infection, they may prescribe an antibiotic.