Thyroid problems such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause fluid retention in the body, including around the eyes. Periorbital cellulitis is a serious skin condition caused by infection and inflammation of the eyelid and the skin around the eyes. This can result in periorbital edema.

Hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid releases too many of these hormones. An autoimmune disorder called Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism and bulging eyes. In this condition, tissues around your eye become inflamed. This creates the bulging effect.

Eye problems, known as thyroid eye disease or Graves’ ophthalmopathy, affect around 1 in 3 people with an overactive thyroid caused by Graves’ disease. Problems can include: eyes feeling dry and gritty. sensitivity to light.

In adults, it is the most common cause of unilateral and bilateral exophthalmos. Noninflammatory thyroid orbitopathy has also been reported. The etiology of the thyroid-related orbitopathy is an autoimmune-mediated inflammatory process of the orbital tissues, predominantly affecting the fat and the extraocular muscles.

The symptoms that occur in thyroid eye disease include dry eyes, watery eyes, red eyes, bulging eyes, a “stare,” double vision, difficulty closing the eyes, and problems with vision. Research suggests that the cause of thyroid disease and thyroid eye disease is an autoimmune disorder.

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Tepezza (teprotumumab-trbw) for the treatment of adults with thyroid eye disease, a rare condition where the muscles and fatty tissues behind the eye become inflamed, causing the eyes to be pushed forward and bulge outwards (proptosis).

Typically, the active or inflammatory stage of thyroid eye disease lasts one to three years. During this time, your eye doctor will avoid surgically treating your symptoms unless your vision is threatened. In cases such as a corneal ulcer or optic nerve compression urgent surgery may be recommended.

Approximately one million Americans are diagnosed with Graves’ eye disease each year. Women are five to six times more likely than men to get the disease. Cigarette smokers are at significantly increased risk to develop the disease, and when they do, often have more severe and prolonged activity that threatens vision.

Thyroid eye disease is a condition in which the eye muscles, eyelids, tear glands and fatty tissues behind the eye become inflamed. This can cause the eyes and eyelids to become red, swollen and uncomfortable and the eyes can be pushed forward (‘staring’ or ‘bulging’ eyes).

Symptoms of Graves’ eye disease include: Feeling of irritation or grittiness in the eyes, redness or inflammation of the conjunctiva (the white part of the eyeball), excessive tearing or dry eyes, swelling of the eyelids, sensitivity to light, forward displacement or bulging of the eyes (called proptosis), and double …

Graves’ disease is an immune system disorder that results in the overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism). Although a number of disorders may result in hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is a common cause. Thyroid hormones affect many body systems, so signs and symptoms of Graves’ disease can be wide ranging.

Eye problems will usually occur and frequently change in type or severity for between six months and two years. Once stabilized, it is unusual for the eyes to start changing again. Some patients are left with permanent changes, and in others the eyes return to normal.

It commonly lasts about six months to two years. After this, the inflammation settles, and this is known as the “inactive” or “burnt out” stage. TED may also be called thyroid associated ophthalmopathy (TAO), thyroid orbitopathy, Graves’ orbitopathy or Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO).

If you have thyroid eye disease, your ability to drive may be affected. You’re legally obliged to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) about a medical condition that could have an impact on your driving ability.

Some people with this autoimmune-driven disorder are unable to control their symptoms though, and some also experience debilitating and disfiguring eye issues. The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not generally consider Graves’ disease to be a severe disability, because most people respond well to treatment.

Graves’ disease is not included as a separate disability listing, but it might cause other impairments that are covered by disability listings. If you have signs of arrhythmia (an irregular heart beat), you may qualify for a disability under Listing 4.05, Recurrent Arrhythmias.

There are a variety of thyroid gland disorders than can negatively impact your life, two of which are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. If you have been diagnosed with a thyroid gland disorder, you may qualify for social security disability benefits if your condition is severe enough.