04/24/2026
April is Women's Eye Health and Safety month!
This month we will be highlighting some women specific eye concerns.
This week’s topic is Thyroid Eye Disease (TED)
TED is an autoimmune condition impacting tissues around the eyes, leading to inflammation and discomfort. Often linked to autoimmune issues like Graves' disease.
Risk factors include:
•Personal or family history of thyroid dysfunction
•Cigarette smoking
•Middle-age
•Female
•Recent radioiodine therapy
•Low blood levels of the dietary mineral selenium
TED has an active phase of 1-3 years. Treatment during this phase is focused on preserving sight while inflammation and progression are actively occurring.
Symptoms Include:
•Bulging eyes
•Puffy eyelids
•Dry, watery, or red eyes
•Double vision
•Difficulty closing the eyes
•Pain or discomfort behind the eyes or with eye movement
TED is managed by an ophthalmologist but any underlying thyroid problems will be managed by your primary care doctor or by an endocrinologist.
If you have any concerns about related symptoms schedule an appointment to come talk with one of our doctors!
Per usual the comments will have more resources on this topic!
