Nearly every organ in the body, including the eyes, can be affected by thyroid cell overactivity or underactivity. As a matter of fact, many eye-related disorders are directly related to thyroid dysfunction.

Thyroid eye disease (TED), in which the eyes are impacted by thyroid gland activity, is one example of such a disease, according to Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad consultant endocrinologist Dr. Datta Reddy Aakiti.

In explaining how thyroid eye illness develops, Dr. Datta Reddy Aakiti said, "Our immune system normally protects us from infections. However, TED mistakenly perceives the tissues surrounding the eyes as a threat to our immune system. Next, the immune system targets the tissue, fat, and muscles around the eyes, resulting in edema and irritation. This can cause the eyes to bulge forward, resulting in redness, puffiness, and pain.

Thyroid eye disease is linked to Graves' disease:

The doctor highlighted the association of thyroid eye disease with Graves’ disease. “The exact reason why this happens is not fully known, but TED is most commonly linked to Graves' disease, which is an autoimmune condition. In Graves’ disease, the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to make more thyroid hormone. This leads to hyperthyroidism. TED is more likely when the thyroid is hyperactive, but in some cases, it can happen even when thyroid levels are normal or low,” he said.

Early warning signs of thyroid eye disease:

• Bulging eyes (proptosis)
• Dry or gritty eyes
• Red or irritated eyes
• Double or blurred vision
• Puffy eyelids, eyelid retraction
• Eye pain or pressure, especially on movement
• Misaligned eyes (strabismus)
• Less bright colour vision, rare vision loss

Risk factors of thyroid eye disease:

The doctor noted down hypothyroidism, family history, poor thyroid control, low selenium levels in blood and smoking as the main risk factors that can trigger this disease. He also added that thyroid eye disease is more commonly seen in women than men.

“Sometimes, TED is confused with allergies or conjunctivitis, causing a delay in diagnosis and the right treatment. But TED doesn’t cause itchy or sticky eyes. It may also cause pain when moving the eyes or double vision,” the endocrinologist added. 

How to treat thyroid eye disease:

“Mild TED can be managed with artificial tear drops. Moderate to severe cases may need steroids, radiation, or surgery. It is important to consult both an eye doctor and an endocrinologist for proper management. We are also using newer treatment modalities, such as Teprotumumab and Rituximab, as biologic agents to treat thyroid eye disease (TED),” Dr. Datta Reddy Aakiti explained.

Read Also: What Slowed Her 90kg Weight Loss? Woman Shares Three Critical Mistakes

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!