Those who have thyroid eye disease, or TED, may find that their eyes become problematic. Symptoms of TED can include dryness, itchiness, grittiness, redness, inflammation, swelling, photophobia, or eyes that appear more wide open. Double vision is sometimes a problem for those with TED. Fortunately, most of these issues can be addressed through treatment and lifestyle changes.
A Note About Smoking
Those who have thyroid eye disease, or any thyroid disorder, are advised to immediately stop smoking. Although the effects of smoking on the lungs, the cardiovascular system, and the skin are popular topics, smoking adversely affects the thyroid gland as well. Cigarettes contain cyanide, which converts to thiocyanate when smoked. Thiocyanate is a thyroid inhibitor that can cause inflammation of the thyroid gland and negate some types of TED treatment. Research has indicated that smokers who had Graves’ disease suffered irreversible damage to their optic nerve, double vision, or eye deterioration at a much greater rate than non-smokers. Smoking reduced the efficacy of treatment by four times.
Dealing with the Symptoms
Eyes that become itchy, dry or gritty can cause multiple issues. Many of those with TED find that their eyes become extremely sensitive to light, particularly ultraviolet, or UV, light. Fortunately, eye surgery can be used to restore your vision.
Decompression surgery removes a bone that connects the eye socket and the sinus cavity in order to expand the amount of room available for swollen tissues. When successful, vision will return to normal.
Sometimes, thyroid eye disease patients find that their eyes are more open and it may not be possible for them to close their eyelids completely. Eye surgery can help with this and eliminate irritation of the eye and excessive tearing that may occur.
To learn more about how Dr. Burroughs and the staff at Springs Aesthetics treat thyroid eye disease, make an appointment at our office in Colorado Springs. Contact us today to book your consultation and get started.