Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFrequent SymptomsRare SymptomsComplicationsWhen to See a Healthcare Provider or Go to the HospitalNext in Thyroid Eye Disease GuideCauses and Risk Factors of Thyroid Eye Disease
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Frequent Symptoms
Rare Symptoms
Complications
When to See a Healthcare Provider or Go to the Hospital
Next in Thyroid Eye Disease Guide
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Thyroid eye disease happens because the immune system attacks tissues and muscles around your eyes.
The symptoms of thyroid eye disease can vary from person to person, and they can also range from mild to severe. Some people experience worsening symptoms over time while others do not have this type of disease progression.
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What Is Thyroid Eye Disease?
If you have thyroid eye disease, you may experience a variety of symptoms. Not everyone has all of these eye symptoms. You should always discuss any changes in your symptoms with a healthcare provider.
Thyroid eye disease symptoms usually last one to two years. This is called the active stage of the disease, and you may have:
When the disease stops progressing, it is called the inactive phase.
The most common symptoms include:
Your symptoms may stay the same or get worse over time. Some people see an improvement in their symptoms.
Thyroid Eye Disease and HyperthyroidismYou may have signs of thyroid eye disease at the same time as you are experiencing other symptoms of hyperthyroidism. It is rare for thyroid eye disease to appear after hyperthyroidism has been treated.
Thyroid Eye Disease and Hyperthyroidism
You may have signs of thyroid eye disease at the same time as you are experiencing other symptoms of hyperthyroidism. It is rare for thyroid eye disease to appear after hyperthyroidism has been treated.
If thyroid eye disease continues to get worse, it is possible for more severe and rare symptoms to develop. This happens because of ongoing damage to the eye tissues.
The symptoms include:
If you develop acorneal ulcer(open sore) because of thyroid eye disease, it can cause scarring and may lead to losing your vision permanently. Talk to your healthcare provider and get treatment for a corneal ulcer right away to avoid potential vision loss.
What Is a Corneal Ulcer?
Another possible complication is damage to the optic nerve from the swollen eye muscles compressing it. This can also lead to vision loss. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if you suspect you haveoptic nerve problems.
Thyroid eye disease may lead to scarring (fibrosis) and eye tissue changes over time. This can affect how the eyes look.
If you have symptoms that could indicate thyroid eye disease, you should talk to a medical professional as soon as possible. Early diagnosis can lead to faster treatments that may help you avoid some of the potential complications of the disease.
Even if you have already received a thyroid eye disease diagnosis, you should notify your healthcare provider of any changes in symptoms. It is important to keep monitoring your condition, so your practitioner can adjust treatments.
In general, you should notify your healthcare provider if you notice any changes in the appearance of your eyes or have problems seeing.
Seek Urgent Medical Care
You should seek immediate medical help if you have the following:
A Word From Verywell
It is important to remember that thyroid eye disease symptoms can vary, so you may not have all of them. In addition, symptoms can come and go, which means your experience may be different. Keep in mind that the active stage of the disease can also vary in time.
Some of the symptoms of thyroid eye disease are similar to the ones seen in other medical conditions. This is why you should always tell a healthcare provider about all of your symptoms and any changes you experience over time.
Treating and managing hyperthyroidism may help you avoid some of the symptoms of thyroid eye disease. Discuss your treatment options with a practitioner, and get a second opinion if you feel it is necessary. You should feel comfortable having an open conversation about your symptoms with the healthcare provider.
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Thyroid eye disease.American Academy of Ophthalmology.What is Graves’ disease?National Institutes of Health: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Graves' disease.American Thyroid Association.Thyroid eye disease.
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Thyroid eye disease.American Academy of Ophthalmology.What is Graves’ disease?National Institutes of Health: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Graves' disease.American Thyroid Association.Thyroid eye disease.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Thyroid eye disease.American Academy of Ophthalmology.What is Graves’ disease?National Institutes of Health: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Graves' disease.American Thyroid Association.Thyroid eye disease.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Thyroid eye disease.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.What is Graves’ disease?
National Institutes of Health: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Graves' disease.
American Thyroid Association.Thyroid eye disease.
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