Treating Thyroid Eye Disease

Thyroid eye disease, or Graves’ disease, is an autoimmune condition in which the body makes antibodies to fight normal tissue that it mistakes as a growth or foreign invader. In addition to attacking the thyroid gland, this condition also views tissues in the eyes as “bad.” The tissue targeted by antibodies is at the back of the eye. The targeting of this tissue causes swelling that can lead to bulging that worsens over time.

How Orbital Decompression Surgery Can Help People With Thyroid Eye Disease

Some people with bulging eyes caused by thyroid eye disease feel guilty about considering surgery to correct their problem. Bulging eyes are not merely a cosmetic issue. When thyroid eye disease makes it difficult to close the eyes fully, function and physical comfort may also be affected. Even before this happens, every person deserves to feel comfortable and confident in their appearance. No person should go through life wondering what other people may be thinking when they see their bulging eyes. If you’re considering treatment to help alleviate the symptoms of thyroid eye disease, you have our full support as well as Dr. Holds’ expertise in customizing treatment to your needs.

The eyes are a primary focal point on the face. The bulging that stems from thyroid eye disease can make a person appear as if they are staring when they are not. The forward pressure may not cause other symptoms, such as chronic dry eye, but the bulging alone is enough to make some people avoid social situations or feel less confident in their professional lives. Orbital decompression is a procedure that creates the space that the eye needs. It does so by adjusting bony structure within the eye socket, thereby returning the eyes to their normal position.

What is Involved in Orbital Decompression Surgery?

The first thing that patients should know about orbital decompression surgery is that every case is a unique scenario. Techniques utilized for individual patients may vary based on their needs and goals. Generally, the objective of orbital decompression is to refine the bony walls of the eye sockets to create more space. Fatty tissue may also be removed from behind the eye to alleviate pressure and allow the eyes to sit back in a normal position.

Orbital decompression is one approach to treating thyroid eye disease once the condition has reached a stable phase. Some patients can benefit from the reconstruction of the eyelids that enables them to close their eyes more fully.

With personal care, patients with thyroid eye disease can find the resolution they deserve. To learn more about the ophthalmic plastic surgery aspect of treatment, schedule a consultation at our St. Louis office at 314-567-3567.