/assets/production/practices/e539ad1fd321a52cb180c310091c4d46f9f05619/images/2456311.jpg)
Thyroid Eye Disease services offered in Beverly Hills and Malibu, CA
Thyroid eye disease (TED) is a rare but progressive condition that affects the eyes. . It occurs in up to 50% of patients with underlying autoimmune hyperthyroidism, and less commonly in patients who have normal thyroid function or hypothyroidism. TED affects everyone differently, and you get the most benefits under the care of a specialist like Shivani Gupta, MD, MPH, in Beverly Hills, California. Dr. Gupta has more than 10 years of experience in managing complex TED patients medically and surgically. For customized care that can help restore eye function and appearance, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.
Thyroid Eye Disease Q & A
What is thyroid eye disease (TED)?
TED is a condition seen in up to 50% of patients with autoimmune hyperthyroidism, also known as Graves’ disease. With TED, the immune system mistakenly attacks the muscle and fatty tissue that surround the eye, causing inflammation and swelling.
Though TED is most often seen in people with an overactive thyroid condition, it can occur in people with hypothyroidism, as well as people with normal thyroid function.
TED has two phases - a progressive (also known as active) phase in which there may be ongoing inflammation and change, and a stable phase where the inflammation has resolved, however the changes due to TED do not typically reverse. TED affects everyone differently, with varying symptoms.
What are the symptoms of thyroid eye disease?
Symptoms of TED include
- Eye bulging
- Pulling of the eyelids (eyelid retraction)
- Double vision
- Eyelid swelling and redness
- Inability to close the eyes
- Redness of the eyes
- Dry eyes/irritation of the eyes
- Changes in the shape of the eye or face
In rare cases, thyroid eye disease may cause permanent vision changes.
How is thyroid eye disease treated?
Dr. Gupta specializes in TED. She understands that thyroid eye disease affects everyone differently and customizes care to best meet your personal needs.
Dr. Gupta offers both medical and surgical treatment options.
Medical care for TED
Medical care for TED may depend on the severity of your symptoms. For patients with mild symptoms, supportive care with the use of artificial tears to help with symptoms of dry eye and eye irritation is recommended.
For patients with moderate to severe TED, or TED that causes significant eye-bulging, Dr. Gupta may recommend Tepezza®, which is the only FDA-approved treatment for TED. This intravenous (IV) medication inhibits the inflammatory response that causes inflammation around the eyes and expansion of tissues that lead to eye-bulging and double vision.
Surgical care for TED
Dr. Gupta may recommend surgical care for TED when your condition is stable. Surgery for TED focuses on reducing eye-bulging, improving eyelid position, correcting double vision, and in rare cases (< 5%) urgent surgery may be recommended when TED affects your vision. TED not only causes eye-bulging, but it can also change the shape of your eyelids and face due to the expansion of the fat pads within your face. Cosmetic surgery can be considered to help restore your eyes and face to their pre-disease state, allowing you to be you again.
Thyroid eye disease is a rare condition that causes a wide range of symptoms and benefits from specialized care with an experienced physician. To schedule an appointment with an expert in TED, call the office of Shivani Gupta MD, MPH, or use the online booking feature today.