Thyroid Eye Disease or Grave's Ophthalmopathy - Medtick
Medtick

Thyroid Eye Disease or Grave’s Ophthalmopathy

What is it?

It is when the eyes and eyelids to become swollen and red (inflamed) due to the eye muscles and fatty tissue behind the eye become hot, red and swollen (inflamed).

  • For some people, the disorder remains little changed for many years, while for others it will worsen or slightly improve. Occasionally people experience repeated episodes of worsening (exacerbations) of the disease, and improvement of the disease (remission).

NORD (National Organisation for Rare Disorders)

Diagnosis Tests

  • MRI scan
  • CT without contrast (particularly if have double vision, restricted motility, or when one or both of your eyes bulge from their natural position)

Medscape

If one has a thyroid condition with dry eyes, see a Medical healthcare professional including an optometrist.

Cause

  • Autoimmune condition – where our immune system attacks the eye muscles and fatty tissue.
  • Increased risk with smoking

Symptoms

  • Bags under the eyes?
  • Blurred or double vision?
  • Change in the appearance of the eyes (usually staring or bulging eyes)?
  • Difficulty moving the eyes?
  • Dislike of bright lights?
  • Dry or watery eyes?
  • Feeling of grittiness in the eyes?
  • Pain in or behind the eye, especially when looking up, down or sideways?
  • Redness of the lids and eyes?
  • Swelling or feeling of fullness in one or both upper eyelids?
  • Vision loss?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Medical Emergency Condition

And/or do not wait, phone for ambulance if have or develop:

  • Blurred or double vision
  • Pain in or behind the eye, especially when looking up, down or sideways
  • Difficulty moving the eyes
  • Vision loss

This condition may show similar symptoms to:

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist/Optician) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Thyroid Eye Disease or Grave’s Ophthalmopathy in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

© Medtick - 2025. All Rights Reserved.