Thyroid Eye Disease is also known as TED,
Thyroid Ophthalmopathy, Dysthyroid Eye Disease,
Graves' Ophthalmopathy and Ophthalmic Graves'
Disease.
(These synonyms are mentioned here for information but are not necessarily
included as separate entries in this glossary. Where multiple entries
are included the text links to them.)
Thyroid Eye Disease is a condition associated with some
forms of thyroid
dysfunction. Although this page is about ophthalmic issues (that is, those
affecting the eyes / vision), patients with thyroid eye disease
are usually also experiencing symptoms of the condition thyrotoxicosis,
which is due to excessive amounts of thyroid hormones in the bloodstream
- resulting in a wide range of possible symptoms such as rapid heart-beat,
sweating, tremors, anxiety, and intolerance of heat, among others.
Ophthalmic symptoms of thyroid eye disease may initially
include some of:
- irritation, such as itchy eyes,
- aching that seems to come from behind the eyes and is often worse
early in the day,
- difficulty in moving the eyes to look in different directions,
- double-vision.
Note that not all of these features will necessarily apply in any one
case. However, if left untreated the condition may progress to include
other and more serious issues.
It is important that those suffering from this condition (or who suspect
it) receive appropriate professional advice and treatment. Diagnosis is
likely to be most straightforward in the cases of patients who already
have known thyroid function abnormalities, especially when both eyes are
affected. However, tests are available and may be applied to check for
thyroid eye disease whenever this is considered to be
a possible reason for problems with the eyes/vision.
A wide range of treatments are possible. Specific advice will depend
on the particular case. Thyroid Eye Disease is the subject
of much current research.
More about Ophthalmology: This section includes short definitions
of many diseases, disorders, and conditions of the eyes and visual system.
For definitions of other terms in this category, choose from the list
to the left (but note that this is not a complete/exhaustive list).
Other related pages include the diagram
of the eye, and definitions
of parts of the eye, a description
of the human retina, and definitions
of parts of the retina, and the section of short definitions
of clinical and surgical procedures re. eyes and human visual system.
For further information see also our section of Books
about Ophthalmology. |
 |
This Section
is about
Diseases
and Disorders of the Eyes and Visual System.
To read about other diseases, disorders, or conditions of the eye and
human visual system, use the links on the left-side of this page.
|
