An Overview of Thyroid Eye Disease
When you have thyroid eye disease, the muscles and fatty tissue behind your eyes are inflamed. Your eyes protrude or “bulge” due to the inflammation occurring behind them. Thyroid eye disease is not merely a cosmetic concern, it has many medical concerns as well. In extreme and less common cases of thyroid eye disease, you may go blind. In more readily occurring cases, you may develop double vision. You’ll see double of one image or object if you have double vision. The area around your eyes can also become puffy and swollen.
The Warning Signs of Thyroid Eye Disease
Protruding Eyes
People with thyroid eye disease are often easy to spot due to the unique distinction of their protruding eyes. Bulging eyes are almost exclusively associated with this condition. However, you cannot be certain that you have thyroid eye disease from this symptom alone. Hyperthyroidism also pushes your eyes forward.
Eye Grit
Do you feel grittiness in your eyes? Does this grittiness remain even after you’ve rubbed your eyes or washed them out? If so, that is one symptom of thyroid eye disease.
Light Sensitivity
You may have thyroid eye disease if you’re suddenly sensitive to natural and artificial light. Your eyes absorbing lights places further strain on them and pressure on the nerves in them. You will likely squint or shield your eyes more often than most people when you’re around bright lights if you have thyroid eye disease.
Contact an Ophthalmologist Today
Thyroid eye disease can be curable. However, the damage you sustain can become long-term if you do not seek medical attention. An ophthalmologist is a medical professional who is trained in understanding eye diseases and performing eye surgery. An ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Walter John Murrell, can treat your thyroid eye disease.
Contact the office of W. John W. Murrell, MD, Ophthalmology and Oculoplastic Surgery at 806-351-1177 to set an appointment.