When it comes to managing thyroid eye disease (TED), it can feel like you’re navigating a maze of medical specialists. Your eyes are more than windows to your soul; they’re deeply connected to your overall health, especially if you’re dealing with thyroid issues.
This isn’t something you can navigate on your own. Over-the-counter medications and rest aren’t going to help much. You need a qualified medical expert to guide you through and help you fight back against the changes TED is making in your body. However, not just any doctor can help.
So, who’s the right doctor to treat TED? Let’s break it down.
What Is Thyroid Eye Disease (TED)?
Before we dive too far into a discussion of doctors who treat the disease, a little clarity on what the disease is and how it works is important. So, consider this your introduction, even if you’ve heard of TED before.
Thyroid eye disease is an autoimmune condition that affects the tissues around your eyes. It often shows up in people with thyroid disorders, especially Graves’ disease, but it’s not directly caused by your thyroid—it’s your immune system going rogue.
In TED, your immune system attacks the muscles and tissues around your eyes, causing inflammation and swelling. This can lead to symptoms like bulging eyes (proptosis), double vision, redness, dryness, and even trouble closing your eyes completely.
TED typically has two phases:
- Active phase: This is when inflammation is at its peak, and symptoms can worsen.
- Inactive phase: The inflammation settles down, but any structural changes—like bulging or misaligned eyes—might stick around.
TED isn’t all that common. It affects roughly 155 to 250 people per 100,000 in the US. It’s far more common in women than men (up to five times more women will develop TED). It’s also age-agnostic in that you can develop the disease at any age. It is more common in middle age, however.
While TED can be challenging, treatments like medications, surgery, and innovative options like Tepezza are making a big difference in how people manage the condition. The key is early diagnosis and working with the right specialist. TED doesn’t have to define you. You can take control of the condition with the right care and medical support.
What Is the Best Treatment for TED?
Multiple different treatments can help with TED and its related symptoms. However, there is no single option that is best for everyone. Instead, your doctor will need to take a different approach. It’s really all about personalization and finding out what works best for you, specifically.
TED treatments depend on your symptoms and the stage of the disease. During the active phase, when inflammation is at its peak, doctors focus on reducing inflammation and preventing permanent damage. In this phase, treatments like Tepezza—a new medication designed specifically for TED—can offer hope and help.
So, what is Tepezza? It’s a medication designed to help combat multiple symptoms related to TED, including eye pain, redness, and swelling. However, it can also help reduce bulging and double vision.
In a press release, the FDA announced, “Today’s approval marks an important milestone for the treatment of thyroid eye disease. Currently, there are very limited treatment options for this potentially debilitating disease. This treatment has the potential to alter the course of the disease, potentially sparing patients from needling multiple invasive surgeries by providing an alternative, non-surgical treatment option.
Once the disease moves into its inactive phase, treatment shifts to addressing the aftereffects, like bulging eyes or double vision. Surgical options, like orbital decompression or eyelid surgery, can help restore both function and appearance.
The key? Getting to the right specialist early.
Can an Optometrist Treat TED?
Optometrists are great for routine eye care. They can check your vision, prescribe glasses or contact lenses, and even identify signs of TED. But when it comes to treating TED itself, they’re not the specialists you need.
TED is more than a vision problem. It’s a complex autoimmune condition that requires expertise beyond what most optometrists are trained to handle. However, you should certainly count your optometrist as part of your care team, and they’ll play an important role.
Think of your optometrist as the first stop on your journey. They might spot the signs and refer you to a specialist for deeper care. They’ll also support you through vision changes. So, what type of doctor treats TED?
What Is the Best Doctor to See for Thyroid Problems?
If you’re dealing with TED, you’ll need a team approach. An endocrinologist manages your thyroid function, helping to balance your hormone levels. They’re the go-to for thyroid problems, but TED requires a different kind of expertise.
For TED specifically, an oculoplastic surgeon or an ophthalmologist specializing in orbital diseases is your best bet. These doctors have the expertise to manage both the medical and surgical aspects of TED.
Again, TED’s symptoms usually mean taking a multifaceted approach. You’ll need to manage symptoms like pain, discomfort, and inflammation. Then you’ll also need to handle physical changes, like bulging eyes or eyelids that won’t close all the way.
What Kind of Doctor Prescribes Tepezza?
Tepezza, the first FDA-approved treatment specifically for TED, is typically prescribed by a specialist in orbital diseases or an experienced oculoplastic surgeon. These doctors understand the complexities of TED and how to tailor treatments to your unique needs.
Finding a doctor who can prescribe Tepezza—and guide you through the process—can make all the difference in managing your condition.
Contact A TED Specialist Today
The ideal doctor for TED is someone who combines expertise in orbital diseases with an understanding of how TED impacts your quality of life. That’s where Dr. Raymond Douglas comes in. With years of experience treating TED, he’s dedicated to helping you navigate your condition with clarity and confidence.
Don’t wait to get the specialized care you deserve. Schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward healthier eyes—and a brighter outlook.
