Thyroid Eye Disease Treatment in Marlton, NJ
Understanding Thyroid Eye Disease
TED occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy tissue in your eye socket. This immune response causes swelling and inflammation, which can push the eyes forward and cause discomfort. While it is often linked to thyroid issues, it is a separate eye condition that requires specialized attention.
Most people who develop TED also have an autoimmune thyroid condition, such as Graves' disease. However, the severity of your eye symptoms does not always match your thyroid levels. You can have TED even if your thyroid function is currently normal. Our ophthalmologists work alongside your endocrinologist to ensure your overall health is managed while we focus on saving your sight.
TED typically moves through two phases. The first is the 'active' phase, where inflammation, redness, and swelling are present. This can last from months to years. Eventually, the disease enters a 'stable' phase where the active inflammation stops. Understanding which phase you are in helps our team choose the safest and most effective treatment for you.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of TED can vary from mild irritation to severe vision changes. Recognizing these signs early allows for faster intervention. If you notice changes in your appearance or vision, it is important to schedule an exam at our Marlton clinic.
The inflammation behind the eye can change the way your eyes look. Common physical signs include:
- Bulging or protruding eyes that may create a staring look
- Eyelids that pull back to reveal more of the white of the eye
- Redness and swelling in the eyelids
- Dry, gritty, or watery eyes
- Pain or pressure behind the eyes, especially when looking up or down
When the muscles around the eye swell, they cannot move as freely as they should. This can lead to functional vision problems, such as:
- Double vision, where you see two images instead of one
- Blurry vision
- Sensitivity to bright lights
- Difficulty moving the eyes side to side
Risk Factors and Diagnosis
While anyone can develop TED, certain factors increase your risk. Our multispecialty team, including experts in neuro-ophthalmology, uses advanced technology to assess your specific risk level and confirm a diagnosis.
Women are more likely to develop TED than men, though men often have more severe cases. Genetics also play a role. However, smoking is the biggest risk factor that you can control. Smokers are much more likely to develop TED, and their symptoms are often worse. Quitting smoking is the most important step you can take to help your treatment succeed.
We perform a comprehensive eye exam to diagnose TED. This includes checking your vision, color perception, and eye pressure. We also measure how far the eyes protrude and may order imaging scans to look at the tissues behind the eye. This allows us to see if the optic nerve is under pressure, which requires immediate care.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on whether you are in the active or stable phase of the disease. Our ophthalmologists tailor every plan to your specific needs, using the latest medical and surgical options available in 2025.
During the active phase, our goal is to reduce inflammation and protect the cornea. For mild cases, artificial tears and lubricating gels can provide relief. For more active disease, we may prescribe steroids to stop swelling. We also utilize newer biologic medications, such as teprotumumab, which treat the underlying cause of the disease and can reduce eye bulging.
Once the disease reaches the stable phase, surgery may be an option to correct lasting changes. We offer procedures to improve double vision, correct eyelid position, or relieve pressure in the eye socket. Our team includes skilled surgeons who focus on restoring both the function and natural appearance of your eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. While TED is closely related to thyroid health, it is a distinct autoimmune disorder. About 10 percent of patients have normal thyroid hormone levels when their eye symptoms appear. This is why it is essential to see an eye specialist for a proper diagnosis, regardless of your recent blood work results.
Some symptoms, like redness and puffiness, often improve once the active phase ends. However, changes like bulging eyes or double vision may be permanent without medical or surgical treatment. Our goal is to minimize these long-term changes through early and effective care.
Smoking lowers the amount of oxygen in your tissues and increases inflammation. This triggers the immune system to attack the eyes more aggressively. Patients who smoke often do not respond well to medication and have a higher risk of vision loss. We strongly encourage all patients to stop smoking to improve their prognosis.
You can manage daily discomfort with simple home remedies. Using cool compresses can soothe swollen eyelids. Sleeping with your head elevated on extra pillows helps reduce fluid buildup overnight. Wearing sunglasses can also protect sensitive eyes from wind and bright light.
Expert Care in Your Community
Thyroid Eye Disease requires a knowledgeable team to protect your sight and confidence. ReFocus Eye Health Marlton combines state-of-the-art technology with a personal touch to treat patients from Marlton, Evesham, and the entire Greater Philadelphia Metropolitan Area. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our experienced ophthalmologists.
I came in for an emergency appointment, and they accommodated me and handled my care with compassion and professionalism. Doctors are always prepared, and aware of my medical conditions and concerns.
Cathy Quattrone
Dr. Heuer was very professional and easy to talk to. I enjoyed being in what appeared to be an all female office. I highly recommend allowing them to take care of your eye care needs.
Lasaunji Richardson
I met Dr. Andrews for the first time and thought he was an expert in his field. I felt confident in his abilities and prescription he gave me.
Marcia Hinden
Doctor Grossman and his team are very skilled. He successfully removed my cataracts 4 years ago. I am now a once a year patient. They answered all of my questions at my recent appointment.
Marilyn Waltzer
Great experience in an out friendly service. Dr. Andrew is great!
Ryan McCarthy
Contact Us
Tuesday: 8am-7pm
Wednesday: 8am-7pm
Thursday: 8am-7pm
Friday: 8am-5pm
Saturday: 9am-2pm
Sunday: Closed