Thyroid eye disease (TED), also called Graves' ophthalmopathy, is an autoimmune condition where the tissues around the eyes, including the eye muscles and eyelids, become inflamed. It is most often linked to an overactive thyroid, but can also happen with an underactive or normally working thyroid.
It usually has an active phase, often lasting one to three years, before settling into a stable phase. Treatment aims to protect your eyes and your sight during the active phase. Care is often shared between a thyroid specialist and an eye specialist.
Symptoms
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust lists these signs of active thyroid eye disease:
- Dry, red, gritty or irritated eyes
- Watery eyes and sensitivity to light
- An ache behind the eyes, especially when looking up
- Eyes that look more bulging, or eyelids pulled back so more white shows
- Puffy, red eyelids
- Double vision
- Loss of vision, including changes in colour vision
When to get urgent help
If you notice any loss of vision, go to an eye casualty or A&E as soon as possible. Tell your GP or clinic if your other symptoms get worse.
Treatment
There is no single treatment for thyroid eye disease. Depending on how severe it is, treatment may include lubricating eye drops, selenium supplements for mild cases, anti-inflammatory medicines including steroids, and occasionally radiotherapy or surgery. Prisms in glasses can help with double vision, and some people choose surgery to realign the eyes once the condition is stable.
Why stopping smoking matters
Smoking makes thyroid eye disease more likely, can make it progress faster and can make treatment work less well. Stopping smoking is one of the most helpful things you can do. Your GP or local NHS stop smoking service can help.
Support
The British Thyroid Foundation, the Thyroid Eye Disease Charitable Trust (TEDct) and RNIB offer information and support for people living with thyroid eye disease.
Sources
Last checked: 12 November 2026
