Thyroid conditions don’t just affect your metabolism—they can change the way your eyes look, feel, and function. Symptoms like eye bulging, double vision, and lid retraction are treatable.
Thyroid eye disease (TED) can have a significant impact on your vision, comfort, and appearance. It’s a complex condition that requires expert multidisciplinary care. Dr. Nina Boal is a board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon and ophthalmologist who specializes in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of thyroid eye disease. With advanced training and an eye for both function and aesthetics, she helps patients feel and look more like themselves.
What Is Thyroid Eye Disease?
Thyroid eye disease (also called Graves' orbitopathy or thyroid-associated orbitopathy) is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system targets the muscles, fat, and tissues surrounding the eyes. This causes inflammation, swelling, and tissue changes.
Common symptoms include the following:
- Bulging or prominence of the eyes (proptosis)
- Eyelid retraction or asymmetry
- Dryness, irritation, or tearing
- Double vision or restricted eye movement
- Pain or pressure behind the eyes
- In severe cases, vision changes due to optic nerve compression
Treatment depends on the stage and severity of the disease and may involve medical management during the active phase and surgical intervention during the stable (inactive) phase.
HOW CAN TREATMENT BENEFIT YOU?
Timely, expert treatment can dramatically improve both comfort and appearance, helping patients reclaim visual function and self-confidence. Typical benefits our patients experience include the following:
- Relief from pain, dryness, and eye irritation
- Improved eyelid position and symmetry
- Reduction of eye bulging (proptosis)
- Better eye movement and reduced double vision
- Protection of vision and the optic nerve
- Restoration of natural facial contours
FAQ
Can thyroid eye disease (TED) go away on its own?
While the active phase of TED may resolve, many patients are left with residual symptoms like proptosis or lid retraction that require surgical treatment.
Is surgery always necessary?
Not always. Mild cases may be managed with lubrication, medications, or prism glasses. Surgery is recommended when symptoms are severe or disfiguring.
Will treatment change the way my eyes look?
Yes—in a positive way. Surgery helps restore a more natural appearance and symmetry while protecting vision.
What kinds of surgeries are done for TED?
Depending on your unique condition, Dr. Boal might perform eyelid surgery (for upper or lower eyelid retraction, blepharoplasty, or a temporary eyelid surgery) or orbital decompression surgery (for bulging eyes or vision loss).
Does smoking affect thyroid eye disease?
Yes. Smoking can significantly worsen TED and impair surgical outcomes. Smoking cessation is strongly recommended before treatment.
Will my vision improve after treatment?
If vision loss is caused by pressure on the optic nerve, decompression surgery may help restore or preserve it.
