Thyroid eye disease stems from the immune system not functioning properly as a result of abnormal hormone levels triggered thyroid dysfunction. As a result, it can cause problems in your eyes, particularly with the tissue, muscles, and tear glands. At Eye Wellness Center, serving Bellaire, TX, and the nearby region, we would like to take a moment to further explain this condition.
General Information
Thyroid eye disease occurs when your thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone. However, in severe cases of hypothyroidism -- which happens when there's not enough thyroid hormone –, you can develop eye problems. Swelling in your eyes develops with this condition. It can affect the muscle, connective tissues, and tear glands. Your eyes may feel irritated or just generally uncomfortable. Dry eye is quite common with this condition. The eyes may appear red or bulging. It can also interfere with your vision and contribute to blurred or double vision.
Diagnosing the Problem
Your general doctor may recommend seeing an eye doctor for your vision problems and eye discomfort. We will look at your medical history and ask questions about your recent symptoms. Based on your symptoms along with a diagnosis of a thyroid problem, we can usually tell that you have thyroid eye disease without further testing.
On the other hand, if you're visiting us before seeing an endocrinologist, we can often use your symptoms to help us determine if you have thyroid eye disease. No matter the case, we will perform a visual acuity test to assess the inside of your eye. In the more severe cases, we may order imaging to better assess the structure of the eye. If you haven't received a diagnosis of a thyroid problem as of yet, we may refer you to a specialist to better manage your condition in general, though we will address the eye problems associated with it.
Treatment of Thyroid Eye Disease
We will optimize your vision in any way we can. This may consist of changing your eyewear prescription. In some cases, we may advise you to wear sunglasses regularly to help with sensitivity to light. Prisms in addition to your glasses may be recommended to reduce double vision. Sometimes, the best course of action is a medication called teprotumumab-trbw.
Contact Our Eye Doctors in Bellaire, TX
At Eye Wellness Center, serving Bellaire and the surrounding communities, we provide high-quality eye care for a variety of eye health issues, including thyroid eye disease. If you have concerns about your eye health or it has been a while since your last eye exam, call our team today at (713) 942-2187 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.