If you’ve undergone a thyroidectomy or are about to, you might be wondering if that’s the end of your thyroid-related challenges. This is especially true if you’ve dealt with thyroid eye disease (TED).
It’s a fair question: can you still get thyroid eye disease after your thyroid has been removed? The short answer is, yes, it’s possible. But let’s break it down to understand what’s going on with your body and your eyes.
Does a Thyroidectomy Stop Thyroid Eye Disease?
A thyroidectomy (the surgical removal of the thyroid gland) treats conditions like Graves’ disease, a common cause of hyperthyroidism. While it effectively eliminates the overactive thyroid, it doesn’t necessarily “cure” thyroid eye disease. That’s because TED is driven by your immune system, not your thyroid gland.
Even after surgery, the autoimmune antibodies responsible for TED can still circulate in your body, potentially continuing to affect the tissues around your eyes. However, research shows that a thyroidectomy may reduce the severity of TED in some cases. That’s particularly true when you combine surgery with other treatments to stabilize thyroid hormone levels and manage inflammation.
Common TED symptoms include the following:
- Blurred or double vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Gritty, dry, watery, or irritated eyes
- Difficultly moving your eyes
- Headaches
- Pain in or behind the eyes
- Bulging or misaligned eyes
- Puffy eyelids
- Eyelids that don’t close all the way
What Is a Thyroidectomy?
A thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped organ located at the base of your neck. The thyroid plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, energy levels, and overall hormonal balance by producing thyroid hormones (T3 and T4).
You’ll find two broad “types” of procedure here:
- Total thyroidectomy: Removal of the entire thyroid gland.
- Partial thyroidectomy: Removal of part of the thyroid, often used to preserve some thyroid function.
Why Might Someone Need a Thyroidectomy?
Thyroidectomy is usually recommended when the thyroid gland is causing health problems that can’t be managed effectively with medications or other treatments. In some cases, removing the thyroid can help. Common reasons for removal include:
Hyperthyroidism or Graves’ Disease
In cases where the thyroid is overactive, and medications or radioactive iodine therapy haven’t been successful (or shouldn’t be used, like patients with TED), thyroidectomy offers a definitive solution to stop the excess hormone production.
Thyroid Cancer
Thyroidectomy is a primary treatment for thyroid cancer, allowing for the removal of cancerous tissue and preventing the spread of disease.
Goiter (Enlarged Thyroid)
A goiter can cause discomfort, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or cosmetic concerns. If it’s large or compressing nearby structures, surgery may be necessary.
Thyroid Nodules
Suspicious or malignant thyroid nodules may require removal to rule out or treat cancer.
Refractory Thyroid Eye Disease
For some patients with Graves’ disease and associated thyroid eye disease, a thyroidectomy can help reduce the levels of thyroid-stimulating antibodies, potentially decreasing TED severity.
What Happens After a Thyroidectomy?
After surgery, you’ll typically need lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy (like levothyroxine) to maintain normal hormone levels. Recovery varies, but most people experience relief from their thyroid-related symptoms and an overall improvement in quality of life.
What if you have a thyroidectomy but haven’t developed thyroid eye disease yet? Can it still occur? Let’s dig a bit deeper.
Can You Get Thyroid Eye Disease After Thyroidectomy?
Yes, it’s possible to experience TED even after a thyroidectomy. But that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. Understanding the connection between your immune system and your eyes is the key to managing symptoms and preventing complications.
Can You Get Thyroid Eye Disease with No Thyroid?
Yes, you can develop or continue to have thyroid eye disease even without a thyroid gland. That’s because thyroid eye disease is only partially related to the thyroid.
Since TED is an autoimmune condition and not purely a thyroid-related issue, removing the thyroid doesn’t stop the immune system’s activity. If your body still produces the antibodies associated with Graves’ disease, they can continue to target the eye tissues.
The good news? With careful management of your hormone levels and the right treatments, you can reduce the risk of TED worsening. Note: there is no cure for TED. However, symptoms can be managed.
Can You Have Thyroid Disease if Your Thyroid Has Been Removed?
Thyroidectomy may stop the overproduction of hormones from the thyroid, but it doesn’t mean you’re free from all thyroid-related concerns. You’ll need lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy to maintain normal hormone levels.
If the underlying autoimmune condition that caused your thyroid disease isn’t fully addressed, you might still experience symptoms tied to immune dysfunction, including TED. Staying on top of your health with regular follow-ups is important.
Will My Eyes Go Back to Normal After Thyroidectomy?
This is a question that doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. For some, removing the thyroid and stabilizing hormone levels can lead to an improvement in TED symptoms. But for others, the damage done during the active phase of the disease—like bulging eyes or double vision—may stick around even after the thyroid is removed.
If TED has progressed to the point of causing significant changes, other treatments like medications, orbital decompression surgery, or eyelid surgery might be needed to restore a more natural appearance and improve function. Work with your doctor to understand your options and decide what works best for you based on your specific symptoms, discomfort level, and goals.
If you’re concerned about TED, Dr. Raymond Douglas is here to help. With years of experience in treating thyroid-related eye conditions, he offers comprehensive care tailored to your needs. Take the next step toward clarity and comfort—schedule an appointment today. Your eyes—and your peace of mind—are worth it.
