At the office of Dr. W. John Murrell, a board-certified Ophthalmologist and Oculoplastic Surgeon in Amarillo, TX, treatment is always customized based on your symptoms, the severity of inflammation, and your stage of disease. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Murrell offers a range of non-surgical and surgical options, ensuring you receive the right level of care at the right time.
The Active Phase of TED
Thyroid eye disease usually begins with an active, inflammatory phase. During this time, the muscles and tissues around your eyes become swollen, causing symptoms such as:
- Redness or eye irritation
- Bulging eyes (proptosis)
- Eyelid retraction or swelling
- Double vision
- Sensitivity to light
This phase can last several months to a few years, and treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and preventing tissue damage before any surgical intervention is considered.
Nonsurgical Treatment Options
1. Tepezza® (Teprotumumab):
Tepezza is the first FDA-approved medication specifically for TED. It’s an intravenous therapy that targets the autoimmune activity causing inflammation behind your eyes. Many patients experience reduced eye bulging, improved double vision, and less discomfort after completing the infusion series.
2. Corticosteroids:
Oral or IV steroids may be used in the active phase to reduce inflammation and swelling quickly. While not a long-term solution, they can provide relief during flare-ups or serve as a bridge to other treatments.
3. Lubricating Eye Drops and Cool Compresses:
Over-the-counter artificial tears and cold compresses can help soothe dryness and irritation. These supportive treatments won’t reverse TED, but they can keep your eyes more comfortable daily.
4. Lifestyle Adjustments:
Quitting smoking is one of the most important things you can do to slow TED progression. Managing your thyroid levels and using prism glasses to ease double vision are also helpful steps.
When Surgery Is Considered
Surgical treatment is usually reserved for the inactive phase of TED, once the inflammation has settled. At that point, procedures like orbital decompression, eyelid repositioning, or strabismus surgery may be used to correct long-term structural changes.
But until then, nonsurgical care often plays a central role in managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Explore Your Options in Amarillo, TX
If you’re struggling with symptoms of thyroid eye disease, you may not need surgery right away — or at all. Contact us at (806) 351-1177 to schedule a consultation and get the care that fits your condition and goals.