Thyroid Eye Disease: Why We Are Seeing So Many Commercials For This?

First of all, if you have been watching TV for most of your life, you might have noticed that there were never any commercials for Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) until the last few years. What the heck is going on? Why the sudden surge of information and medication offerings on this topic? Thyroid Eye Disease is specifically related to an autoimmune disease called GRAVES DISEASE which is the main, underlying cause of Hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland). TED can also occur in individuals with hypothyroidism or even in those with normal thyroid function, although this is less common. 

As a thyroid expert, I am not shocked about these commercials - because in general, autoimmune diseases are on the rise, and the top medications in the USA right now are all related to autoimmune diseases.

Diet and lifestyle have A LOT to do with this.

As with hypothyroidism, many doctors are uninformed about how to treat Graves disease. Let me be clear about both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism - BOTH ARE FIXABLE and have varied approaches. When doctors have no idea how to treat these conditions, this is when they resort to medications intended to treat the symptoms of something they don't know how to fix. You do not have lingering symptoms once you solve Graves and fix your hyperthyroidism (or hypothyroidism). That is the point of effective treatment for either thyroid issue. 

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the thyroid gland, leading to hyperthyroidism. While the impact of Graves' disease on the thyroid is well-known, it can also cause a range of additional symptoms and complications. One such complication is thyroid eye disease (TED), also referred to as Graves' ophthalmopathy or orbitopathy. 

Thyroid eye disease is a condition characterized by inflammation and swelling of the tissues surrounding the eyes. Approximately 50% of individuals diagnosed with Graves' disease are estimated to develop some degree of thyroid eye disease. TED can also occur in individuals without Graves' disease, albeit less commonly.

Thyroid eye disease presents with a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. Common signs of TED include:

1. Bulging eyes: Protrusion of the eyes, often referred to as exophthalmos, is a hallmark symptom of thyroid eye disease.
2. Eye redness and swelling: Inflammation and swelling of the eyelids, conjunctiva, and surrounding tissues can occur, causing redness, pain, and discomfort.
3. Double vision: TED can affect the muscles that control eye movement, leading to double vision or blurred vision.
4. Dry eyes and irritation: Insufficient tear production and irritation of the ocular surface are frequent complaints.
5. Sensitivity to light: Individuals with TED may experience increased sensitivity to light, making bright environments uncomfortable.
6. Eye pressure or pain: Some people with thyroid eye disease may experience pressure or pain behind the eyes.
7. Limited eye movement: In severe cases, TED can restrict the normal movement of the eyes, resulting in difficulty in moving the eyes in certain directions.

The cause of thyroid eye disease is believed to involve an immune-mediated process triggered by the same underlying autoimmune dysfunction responsible for Graves' disease. The immune system mistakenly targets the tissues around the eyes, leading to inflammation and subsequent changes in the appearance and function of the eyes.

The management of thyroid eye disease aims to alleviate symptoms, preserve vision, and prevent long-term complications. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the disease and the individual's specific needs. Some commonly employed approaches include:

1. Symptomatic relief: Artificial tears, lubricating ointments, and cool compresses can provide relief from dryness, irritation, and redness.
2. Medications: Corticosteroids, either oral or intravenous, may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and swelling.
3. Orbital radiotherapy: This treatment involves delivering targeted radiation to the tissues around the eyes to reduce inflammation and slow down the progression of the disease.
4. Surgical interventions: In severe cases, surgical procedures may be required to correct double vision or decompress the optic nerve, reducing eye pressure.
5. Supportive measures: Lifestyle modifications, such as quitting smoking, wearing sunglasses, and good eye hygiene can help manage it.

Thyroid eye disease is a challenging complication associated with Graves' disease, but Graves disease can be fixed and controlled to avoid TED suffering. You can listen to an archived episode of The Primal Blueprint Podcast where I had an in-depth discussion about Graves disease (a cause of Thyroid Eye Disease) with integrative physician, Gary E. Foresman MD HERE

About the author:  Elle Russ is a #1 bestselling author, world-renowned thyroid health expert, and master coach.Take her Thyroid Masterclass HERE