What is thyroid eye disease?

Thyroid eye disease is an auto-immune disease of the orbit (eye socket) and eye muscles that occurs in people with thyroid disease. It is characterised by inflammation, swelling and eventual scarring.

Who gets thyroid eye disease?

Thyroid eye disease is most commonly seen in people with Graves' disease (hyperthyroidism) but it can also occur with hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and thyroid cancer. About 40% of people with Graves' disease will develop thyroid eye disease. Most cases of thyroid eye disease develop shortly before, or soon after the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is made. Some people do develop thyroid eye disease a long time before or a long time after their thyroid problem becomes apparent.

What are the features of thyroid eye disease?

Thyroid eye disease has two distinct phases:

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What can be done to help?

There is much that can be done to help patients with thyroid eye disease.

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Obviously patients with hyperthyroidism will require treatment for their increased thyroid hormone levels but disappointingly this correction of their hyperthyroidism often doesn't help their eye disease a whole lot.

What happens in the end?

Unfortunately for many people who develop it, thyroid eye disease is a long term problem.

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If you have any questions you should speak to your endocrinologist or ophthalmologist.

Dr. Anthony JH Hall MD, FRACO is
Director, Ophthalmology Unit, Royal Melbourne Hospital

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