When Is Surgery the Right Choice for Thyroid Eye Disease?

Thyroid eye disease is a complex condition that can cause eye bulging, discomfort, double vision, and changes to facial appearance. While early symptoms can often be managed without surgery, certain cases of thyroid eye disease progress to the point where surgery becomes the best option to restore both eye function and appearance. Understanding when to consider surgery can help patients make informed decisions.

Dr. W. John W. Murrell is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained oculoplastic and reconstructive surgeon in Amarillo, TX. With extensive experience treating thyroid eye disease, Dr. Murrell offers a full range of medical and surgical options tailored to each patient’s needs.

Non-Surgical Options

In many cases, early thyroid eye disease is managed with non-surgical treatments aimed at reducing inflammation and preventing disease progression. Common non-surgical options include:

• Tepezza (teprotumumab): An FDA-approved infusion therapy that can reduce eye bulging, inflammation, and double vision.
• Corticosteroids: Often used in the active (inflammatory) phase to control swelling.
• Lubricating eye drops: Help relieve dryness and irritation.
• Prism glasses: May improve double vision in some patients.
• Lifestyle modifications: Smoking cessation, head elevation during sleep, and managing thyroid hormone levels can all help stabilize symptoms.

These treatments are often highly effective during the active phase of thyroid eye disease and can significantly reduce the need for surgery in some patients.

When Is Surgery Recommended?

Surgery for thyroid eye disease is typically reserved for patients whose symptoms persist after the active phase has subsided or when eye function is severely affected. Surgery may be the right choice if:

• Eye bulging (proptosis) continues to interfere with appearance or eye closure
• Vision is compromised due to pressure on the optic nerve or corneal exposure
• Persistent double vision does not respond to other treatments
• Eyelid position contributes to discomfort, exposure, or cosmetic concerns

Surgical procedures commonly used for thyroid eye disease include orbital decompression to create more space for swollen tissues, eyelid surgery to correct retraction or drooping, and strabismus surgery to realign the eyes and reduce double vision.

Expert Thyroid Eye Disease Care in Amarillo

If you are experiencing symptoms of thyroid eye disease and want to explore your treatment options, board-certified oculoplastic surgeon Dr. W. John Murrell offers expert evaluation and personalized care. Whether non-surgical treatments or surgery is the best next step, Dr. Murrell can help restore both eye health and comfort. Contact (806) 351-1177 to schedule a consultation in Amarillo, TX.