Thyroid eye disease, with bulging eyes, is a prevalent condition treated by Dr. Eftekhari. Many individuals have thyroid issues, and Graves’ disease is common. Graves’ disease brings symptoms like weight loss and tremors, often leading to eye changes—bulging, puffiness, and a transformed appearance. Swelling occurs due to abnormal antibodies, causing eye fat and muscle tissue growth. In severe cases, scarring may lead to vision loss or double vision. Trust Dr. Eftekhari for expert care and comprehensive treatment of thyroid eye disease symptoms.
Understanding Thyroid Eye Disease Symptoms
Thyroid eye disease manifests with various symptoms, including tearing, redness, irritation, and eye puffiness. Some may observe unilateral bulging, while severe cases lead to significant proptosis (bulging eyes) and eyelid retraction, resulting in an abnormal appearance.
Course of Thyroid Eye Disease
In many patients, symptoms intensify, peak over several months, and eventually stabilize within 18 to 24 months. While improvements may occur, it’s rare for the eyes to fully return to their previous state.
Effective Treatment Approaches
Dr. Eftekhari, specializing in thyroid eye disease, offers advanced treatments. Previously, steroids were conventional; now, Tepezza (teprotumumab) provides a breakthrough. FDA-approved in 2020, it directly targets thyroid eye disease. Dr. Eftekhari, a published expert on Tepezza, may recommend it based on severity.
The Eyelid Center of Utah is also a site for cutting-edge clinical research, where we participate in clinical trials investigating alternative treatments for thyroid eye disease besides Tepezza. For information on clinical trials, go to ClinicalTrials.gov, type in “thyroid eye disease” and Salt Lake City for a list of studies our center may be participating in.
Surgical Intervention for Thyroid Eye Disease
For non-responsive cases or those with scarring, Dr. Eftekhari performs surgery. Orbital decompression creates more space, allowing the bulging eye to recede. Eyelid retraction surgery addresses lid abnormalities. As a board-certified expert and ASOPRS member, Dr. Eftekhari ensures comprehensive care.
Frequently Asked Questions about Thyroid Eye Disease
Symptoms include tearing, redness, irritation, eye puffiness, and in severe cases, unilateral bulging or proptosis, along with eyelid retraction.
Symptoms often intensify, peak within a few months, and stabilize over 18 to 24 months. While some improvements may occur, full return to the previous state is uncommon.
Dr. Eftekhari offers advanced treatments, including Tepezza (teprotumumab), an FDA-approved breakthrough medication. Surgical options address non-responsive cases or those with scarring.
Tepezza is specifically designed to target thyroid eye disease, offering a more direct and effective treatment approach with fewer side effects than conventional options.
Surgery may be recommended for non-responsive cases or when scarring is present. Orbital decompression creates more space, while eyelid retraction surgery addresses lid abnormalities.
Stabilization varies, but symptoms typically peak within a few months post-surgery or treatment, with the overall course lasting 18 to 24 months.
Take proactive steps by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Eftekhari. Call our office today to embark on a personalized thyroid eye disease management plan.
Schedule a Personalized Consultation with Dr. Eftekhari
If you have noticed changes around your eyes due to thyroid disease, consult with Dr. Eftekhari for personalized and effective thyroid eye disease management. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
This structure provides a logical flow, addressing symptoms, the course of the disease, treatment options, surgical intervention, and encouraging readers to take action with a consultation.