Image via WikipediaMany body functioning processes are affected by the thyroid gland including metabolism. This endocrine gland is butterfly shaped and manufactures and secretes Thyroxin or T4 in response to TSH being released from the pituitary gland. The thyroid gland responds to this by secreting the necessary amount of thyroid hormone into the blood stream.If there is not enough T4 in the system, it is classified as hypothyroidism. On the other hand, if there is too much thyroid hormone it is called hyperthyroidism. Both conditions are autoimmune diseases denoting thyroid hormone imbalance that can show outward signs of its existence, such as thyroid eye disease.
What Is Thyroid Eye Disease?
TED or thyroid eye disease is characterized by the protrusion of the eyeballs. This disease is most common in those with Graves Disease, hyperthyroidism or over active thyroid. However, TED can present itself when thyroid levels are normal in the body or euthyroid as well as when there is an inefficient amount of thyroid hormone or hypothyroidism present in the body.
TED is also known as orbitapathy, ophthalmopathy and exophthalmia and usually results in the patient's inability to completely close the eyelids. This condition can then result in dryness and damage to the eyeball. Oftentimes, it may be necessary to tape the eyelids closed during sleep hours in order to prevent further damage from occurring.
The effects of thyroid disease have an impact on the eye muscles that become swollen, pushing the eyeball forward. Other causes may include infection of the eye, enlarged blood vessels, and tumors. The bulging may occur in one or both eyes. Approximately 80 percent of all patients with TED have Graves' disease due to hyperactive thyroid. Other cases involve Hashimoto's thyroiditis Hashitoxicosis, or atrophic thyroiditis.
Signs and Symptoms of TED:
Proptosis (exophthalmos or bulging) Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eye) Dryness Eyelid retraction Eyelid lag Twitching Redness Itching Double vision Retrobulbar pain Pain on or behind the eye Chemosis (edema or swelling) Swelling Blurriness Eye muscle paralysis Corneal irritation leading to corneal inflammation Difficulty moving the eyes Foreign body sensation Formation of scar tissue Lacrimation (tearing) Sensitivity to light Upper eyelid droop Staring Visual impairment
Surgical Treatment:
Orbital decompression surgery: This specialized surgery focuses on removing the bone between the cavity surrounding the eye or the orbit and the surrounding sinuses. The result is additional space for swelling behind the eyes while decreasing protrusion and pressure on the optic nerve.
Eye muscle surgery: This surgery's main focus is to realign the eye muscles. Successful completion of this procedure will provide improved single vision in both the straight-ahead and down gaze positions.
Eyelid surgery: In those patients suffering from Graves' ophthalmopathy, the eyelid tends to be quite wide. This procedure is used to reduce this, giving the patient an appearance as close to normal as possible.
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