Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) is a progressive, chronic autoimmune disease with heterogeneous signs and symptoms that can threaten patients’ vision1,2

Identifying and treating TED early can benefit patients
and may reduce the impact of the disease3

According to the American and European Thyroid Associations, TED is best evaluated and managed with a multidisciplinary approach between endocrinologists and eye care providers, such as ophthalmologists, who specialize in treatment of the disease.4

You may have heard or read TED also referred to as Graves’ orbitopathy, Graves’ ophthalmopathy, thyroid-associated orbitopathy, or thyroid ophthalmopathy.5

When TED goes untreated, muscle and fat behind the eye expand, causing debilitating, pronounced signs and symptoms, including5:

  • Proptosis
  • Diplopia
  • Eyelid retraction
  • Pressure and/or pain behind the eyes
  • Photophobia
  • Dry eyes and grittiness
  • Redness, swelling, and excessive tearing
  • The feeling of something stuck in the eye
  • Color vision loss*
  • Vision loss*

*Affects a small subset of TED patients.

Doctor referring a patient to a Thyroid Eye Disease specialist

Thyroid Eye Disease is best evaluated by a TED Specialist and co-managed by a multidisciplinary team.2,4

When is the best time to consult with a TED Specialist? Click here for important information on TED co-management.

Find a TED Specialist

  1. Wang Y, Patel A, Douglas RS. Thyroid Eye Disease: how a novel therapy may change the treatment paradigm. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2019;15:1305-1318.
  2. Bothun ED, Scheurer RA, Harrison AR, Lee MS. Update on Thyroid Eye Disease and management. Clin Ophthalmol. 2009;3:543-551.
  3. Mitchell AL, Goss L, Mathiopoulou L, et al. Diagnosis of Graves’ orbitopathy (DiaGO): results of a pilot study to assess the utility of an office tool for practicing endocrinologists. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2015;100(3):E458-E462.
  4. Burch HB, Perros P, Bednarczuk T, et al. Management of Thyroid Eye Disease: a consensus statement by the American Thyroid Association and the European Thyroid Association. Thyroid. 2022;32(12):1-32.
  5. Bahn RS. Graves’ ophthalmopathy. N Engl J Med. 2010;362(8):726-738.