Thyroid eye disease, explained.
See thyroid eye disease symptoms, diagnosis and treatment explained in 104 seconds.
Reviewed by Dr. Irina Belinsky, MD, Oculoplastics · . Review confirmed by the site owner.
Read the full transcript
Red, watery, or puffy eyes have many causes, like allergies or dryness. If they linger, ask an eye doctor about thyroid eye disease, or TED.
TED is autoimmune. The immune system mistakenly inflames muscles and other tissues around the eyes. This can affect how your eyes move and where they sit.
TED is linked to Graves' disease, but they're separate conditions. TED can occur with normal or low thyroid levels, and thyroid care may not treat the eyes.
Eyes may feel gritty or painful, with a sense of pressure. Light may bother you. Some people see double, or notice bulging eyes or eyelid changes.
Seek urgent eye care for sudden vision loss, faded colors, or missing patches of vision. If your eyelids can't fully close, contact your eye doctor right away.
A clinician usually asks about your health history and examines your eyes. Thyroid blood tests are common, and sometimes a scan helps show tissues behind the eyes.
Treatment is tailored to how active and severe TED is. Options may include lubricating drops, prescribed medicines, or sometimes surgery. Avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke also matters.
A checklist cannot diagnose TED. But it can help you prepare. Visit thyroideyedisease dot help for a symptom checklist and specialist finder, then take your results to an eye appointment.
This educational film supports a conversation with your eye-care team. It cannot diagnose TED or choose a treatment for you.
Eye changes that need urgent care · Our editorial and clinical review approach