Symptoms of TED

Hi, Dr. Zhu. What are the symptoms of thyroid eye disease? [MUSIC PLAYING]

Our immune system fights off foreign substances that make their way into our bodies. However, there are times when our immune system works

against us and it mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. This is known as an autoimmune disorder.

It's what happens in thyroid eye disease, or TED, a rare progressive autoimmune disorder that affects

a person's eyes and eyelids. Symptoms vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe.

The most noticeable symptom of TED is called exophthalmos. This is when the eyes bulge or protrude out of their sockets.

TED can also cause what's called eyelid retraction, when a person's upper or lower eyelids

are too high or too low, respectively, exposing the entire outer eye. In severe cases, TED can cause corneal erosion

or optic neuropathy, both of which can lead to vision loss. Other symptoms of TED include dry eyes, irritation,

discomfort, redness or pain when moving your eyes, blurred or double vision, chronic bloodshot

eyes, inflammation in the white part of your eye, excessive formation of tears causing constant watery eyes,

swelling near the upper or lower eyelids, difficulty moving your eyes, and an intolerance

for bright lights. There are two distinct phases of TED-- active and inactive.

The active phase can last anywhere from six months to two years. This is where a majority of the symptoms will occur along with a risk of scarring and tissue damage.

The extent of damage from the active phase is generally unknown until the inactive phase.

During the inactive phase, most symptoms will not progress, but bulging eyes and double vision are still possible.

Additionally, cosmetic changes tend to show up during the inactive phase and can lead to someone looking very tired all the time.

The cause of thyroid eye disease is unknown. Studies have shown that there is a genetic component

to the disorder, but research is ongoing. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, talk with your health care provider to learn more.

Together, you can develop a treatment plan that works for you.