Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), also known as Graves’ ophthalmopathy, is an autoimmune condition that affects the eyes and surrounding tissues. It commonly occurs in patients with thyroid disorders, particularly Graves’ disease, and can lead to eye bulging, dryness, irritation, double vision, and changes in appearance.
At our Miami Beach optometry clinic, Dr. Rachel Shlomov, OD provides comprehensive evaluation and advanced, non-surgical management of thyroid eye disease. Patients from Miami Beach, Surfside, Bal Harbour, and throughout Miami seek care for relief from dryness, exposure, discomfort, and vision changes associated with TED.
What is thyroid eye disease?
Thyroid Eye Disease is an autoimmune inflammatory condition in which the immune system attacks the muscles and connective tissues around the eyes. This causes swelling, enlargement of tissues, and changes in eye position.
Although TED is most commonly associated with hyperthyroidism (Graves’ disease), it can also occur in patients who are euthyroid or hypothyroid, and eye symptoms may appear before, during, or after thyroid hormone abnormalities are diagnosed.
Common signs and symptoms of thyroid eye disease
TED can affect patients in different ways and may progress over time. Common symptoms include:
- Eye bulging or prominence (proptosis)
- Dryness, burning, or irritation
- Redness and inflammation
- Excessive tearing
- Light sensitivity
- Feeling of pressure or fullness behind the eyes
- Incomplete eyelid closure, especially during sleep
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Double vision in more advanced cases
Even mild thyroid eye disease can significantly affect comfort and quality of life.
Why thyroid eye disease causes dryness and exposure
As the tissues behind the eye swell, the eyes may protrude forward. This can prevent the eyelids from fully closing and disrupt normal blinking. The result is corneal exposure, tear film instability, and worsening dry eye symptoms.
Patients often describe severe dryness that does not improve with standard artificial tears, particularly at night or in air-conditioned environments.
How is thyroid eye disease diagnosed?
Diagnosis of TED involves a comprehensive eye exam that evaluates:
- Eyelid position and closure
- Eye protrusion measurements
- Ocular surface health
- Tear film stability
- Corneal staining patterns
- Eye movement and alignment
Coordination with an endocrinologist or primary care physician is often part of comprehensive TED management.
Treatment goals for thyroid eye disease
Management of TED focuses on:
- Protecting the ocular surface
- Reducing dryness and irritation
- Preventing corneal damage
- Supporting visual comfort and function
- Managing exposure while the disease stabilizes
While some patients may eventually require medical or surgical treatment, many benefit significantly from non-surgical ocular surface management.
How scleral lenses help patients with thyroid eye disease
Scleral lenses are an extremely effective treatment option for many patients with TED, particularly those experiencing significant dryness or exposure symptoms.
These custom rigid gas permeable lenses vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera. When filled with preservative-free saline prior to insertion, scleral lenses create a sealed fluid reservoir that continuously bathes and protects the cornea throughout the day.
Benefits of scleral lenses for TED include:
- Continuous hydration of the ocular surface
- Protection from exposure due to incomplete eyelid closure
- Shielding from wind, air conditioning, and environmental irritants
- Improved comfort and reduced burning or irritation
- Enhanced visual quality when tear film instability causes blur
For many patients with TED, scleral lenses dramatically improve daily comfort and allow them to function normally despite ongoing thyroid-related changes.
Why early eye care is important in thyroid eye disease
Even mild TED can progress and lead to complications if not properly managed. Early evaluation allows:
- Protection of the cornea before damage occurs
- Improved comfort and quality of life
- Monitoring for progression or vision-threatening changes
- Timely referral if advanced intervention becomes necessary
Proactive care helps prevent long-term ocular surface damage.
Why choose Dr. Rachel Shlomov for thyroid eye disease care in Miami Beach?
Dr. Rachel Shlomov, OD specializes in ocular surface disease, exposure-related conditions, and specialty contact lenses, including scleral lenses for thyroid eye disease. Her approach focuses on protecting the cornea, maximizing comfort, and helping patients maintain vision during all stages of the disease.
Patients from Miami Beach, Surfside, Bal Harbour, and surrounding Miami communities trust her expertise for compassionate, detail-driven thyroid eye disease care.
Thyroid Eye Disease & Dry Eye Care Near Surfside, Bal Harbour & Miami
If you have thyroid disease and are experiencing eye dryness, irritation, or bulging, specialized eye care for thyroid eye disease is available locally in Miami Beach. Advanced diagnostics and customized treatment options can greatly improve comfort and ocular health.
Schedule a Thyroid Eye Disease Evaluation
If you have thyroid disease and are noticing changes in your eyes, vision, or comfort, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with Dr. Rachel Shlomov to evaluate for thyroid eye disease and discuss personalized treatment options.