Thyroid Eye Disease

What is Thyroid Eye Disease?

A common thyroid disease is hyperthyroidism. With hyperthyroidism there is an overproduction of thyroid hormones. People with this condition may experience some complications in relation to the eye. When this occurs it is called thyroid eye disease.

These eye problems are most commonly caused by abnormal swelling of the soft tissues surrounding the eyes, and enlargement of the muscles that move the eyes and open the eyelids. This results in eyes that protrude forward. When this occurs, there may be retraction of the upper eyelids which forces the lids apart which causes an inability to fully close the eyelids, and an abnormally large amount of the front of the eyes is exposed. This results in wide prominent eyes, a fixed staring expression, and infrequent blinking of the eyelids.

There are surgical options available to those with thyroid eye disease, as well as medical intervention options to alleviate the swelling.

Contact your doctor at the Eye Physicians of Long Beach to schedule a consultation.

Although many patients have been told that they have to live with “bulging eyes and a staring look,” this is simply no longer true with the advances made in treatment techniques. At Eye Physicians of Long Beach, we have been recognized for the rehabilitation of disfiguration caused by Grave’s Disease.

Orbital Decompression Surgery in Long Beach

Orbital decompression is used to treat those with thyroid eye disease. This procedure can be used to reduce the bulging of the eyeballs. Many patients with thyroid eye disease will also experience compression of the optic nerve causing them to lose vision and possibly go blind. In this circumstance, patients require decompression surgery to save their vision.

For orbital decompression treatment in Long Beach, California, trust your vision to Eye Physicians of Long Beach.