What is thyroid eye disease?
Thyroid eye disease (TED), also called Graves’ eye disease or Graves’ orbitopathy, is an autoimmune condition. It is most common with Graves’ hyperthyroidism, but can also occur with normal or low thyroid hormone levels.
Treatment of thyroid hormone levels and treatment of the eyes may be different. Learn about hyperthyroidism.
When to seek urgent care
Contact a clinician immediately for reduced vision, changes in how you see colors, loss of part of your field of vision, or eyelids that cannot close completely. These changes can threaten sight. If you cannot reach your care team, seek urgent eye care.
Symptoms to recognize
Symptoms can include dry or gritty eyes, redness, swollen eyelids, light sensitivity, pressure, bulging eyes, or double vision. Eyelids may pull back or fail to close fully. Symptoms can affect both eyes unevenly.
Report new or worsening eye symptoms to your care team. Dry eyes alone do not establish a diagnosis of thyroid eye disease.
How it is evaluated
An eye examination checks vision, eye movement, and the eyelids. Blood tests assess thyroid function. Additional testing may include color vision, visual fields, and CT or MRI imaging.
Ask whether you need an ophthalmologist experienced in thyroid eye disease, especially when symptoms are more than mild or the diagnosis is uncertain.
Everyday care and treatment
For dryness and irritation, a clinician may recommend lubricating eye drops or ointment. Sunglasses and sleeping with the head raised may help with discomfort or swelling. Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.
More significant disease may need prescription medicines, including anti-inflammatory or targeted treatments. Surgery can relieve pressure around the eyes or address eyelid position and double vision. Some patients receive radiation treatment. The choice depends on the eye findings and the benefits and risks for that person.
Discuss treatment options with your thyroid clinician and eye specialist together. Do not start steroid eye drops or other prescription eye treatments on your own.
Follow-up and daily life
Changes in eye comfort, appearance, and double vision can affect daily activities. Tell your care team what is hardest for you, and ask what support is available.
Some symptoms improve over time, but this is not a reason to ignore new vision changes. Agree on a follow-up plan and know whom to contact between visits.
Questions to ask your clinician
- How severe is my eye disease?
- Do I need a specialist in thyroid eye disease?
- Which changes need immediate attention?
- What can help my dryness or double vision?
- How do my thyroid and eye treatment plans fit together?
- What benefits and risks should I weigh before treatment?
Sources and medical review
Prepared October 2, 2026. Approved by Richard B. Guttler, MD, on October 3, 2026, through the medical accuracy review form.
Clinical information was checked against the following patient resources. This guide is educational and does not provide personal medical advice.