Thyroid eye disease is a condition in which the eye muscles, eyelids, tear glands and fatty tissues behind the eye become inflamed.
Patient - 1
After adequate control of his hyperthyroidism, this gentleman went ahead with a two wall decompression surgery for protrusion of both eyes.
Along with the bony wall decompression, some amopunt of fat excision was also done, as also surgery of the upper and lower eyelid to restore his eyelids and facial features to what it was prior to develpoing thryoid eye disease.
Needless to say, he was pleased with the result.
Contact UsPatient - 2
This patient presented a unique dilemma. He had protrusion of the eye due to thryoid eye disease, as also a facial paralysis on the same side of the face. He did not want to undergo a bony orbital decompression and requested that his eyelids be made symmetrical.
So an upper and lower eyelid surgery was performed for the right eye alone to get the shape of the eye (palpebral fissue) symmetrical to the left eye.
So at times, some shorter procedures under local anesthesia can also achieve certain degree of desired cosmesis.
Contact UsThyroid eye disease (TED), also known as Graves' Orbitopathy, is an autoimmune condition resulting in swelling or inflammation around the eyes. The eyelid and surrounding areas of the eyes tend to appear red and swollen and can also make the eyes look slightly protruding. This is typically due to inflammation in the eyelids, tissues in the orbit and ocular muscles as a result of an attack by the body's own immune system. This condition while commonly associated with raised thyroid hormone levels, may also be associated with low or even normal levels. TED usually begins with an active, progressive phase, where orbital and periorbital inflammation can last for 6 to 24 months and is sight-threatening in up to 5% of patients.
These are some of the common symptoms associated with this condition. In case you notice any of these signs, be sure to consult an experienced Oculoplasty doctor at the earliest for a correct diagnosis and grading of the disease.
For a correct diagnosis of this disease, it is essential to visit an eye specialist that can timely and correctly address the situation. Make an appointment with an Oculoplasty doctor that is known to offer specialised treatment of the eye, orbit and eyelid. You may be subjected to a physical exam followed by blood test screening and imaging tests for further confirmation.
OTC eye drops: Artificial tears and eye drops may be prescribed to counteract excessive dryness and grittiness.
Corticosteroids: These medicines may be used to reduce swelling in the eye area or swelling in the orbit when it has affected patient's vision in severe cases. However, as they may have certain side-effects, it is advisable to only consume these under the guidance of a medical professional.
Prisms: These are used in combination with spectacles to help combat the symptoms of double vision. In some cases, if the double vision is too severe, a patch may be placed on one eye. Surgical treatments: Your surgeon may also recommend surgical treatment in the form of the following:
Orbital decompression surgery: Here, the doctor will remove the bone between the eyes to allow for more space for eye movement. This is the most common form of surgery and greatly reduces pressure on the optic nerves which could lead to vision concerns.
Strabismus surgery: This surgery is done to correct eye muscles that could be causing double vision. However, as it is an intricate procedure it needs to be done by a specialist.
Eyelid surgery: This surgery is usually done to protect the eyes by correcting the changes in the eyelid or to bring back the eyelid in the normal position. Your doctor will be able to advise you on the procedure and precautions for the same.
Quit smoking: This is a critical requirement for anyone with this condition, or even at risk for this condition. Smoking severely compromises the immune system worsening this condition and enough studies have found that eliminating smoking can significantly aid in recovery.
Reduce stress: Another massive factor that can compromise your immune system is stress. Learn ways to manage stress and anxiety that are suitable to you such as meditation, walks, deep breathing or even light exercise.
Thus, TED can be an intimidating diagnosis, but with the right care and timely treatment, it can be rectified to a large extent. In case you notice any symptoms be sure to visit a professional Oculoplastic surgeon.
Patient - 3
'Sometimes we draw the curtains, sometimes we part them.
Only to protect the windows to your soul'
This gentleman had an eyelid retraction since childhood, as seen in photos from age of 10 years. Often we see eyelid retraction (the eye looks wider) in #ThyroidEyeDisease. His thyroid levels were normal. There was no history of trauma. So while it's hard to know why exactly his eyelid has shot up higher (no photos available before age of 10 years), the correction of the same was straightforward.
For most eyelid retractions, including those due to thyroid eye disease, the muscle that lifts up the eyelid is loosened. And voila!
The surgery took 30 minutes, was under local anaesthesia.
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