Approved Use: Aquam volupis quat que est et que qui quam que od quiantium ipsanias dolupiet exernam quo millibus acilis dolor sumque volor sim fugit, is nobit Orrovid. READ MORE

Aquam volupis quat que est et que qui quam que od quiantium ipsanias dolupiet exernam quo millibus acilis dolor sumque volor sim fugit, is nobit Orrovid: READ LESS

You are now leaving the DiscoverTED website.

The linked sites are not under the control of Amgen, and Amgen is not responsible for the content available on the linked sites. Such links do not imply Amgen’s endorsement of material on any other site, and Amgen disclaims all liability with regard to your access to such linked websites. Amgen provides links to other Internet sites as a convenience to users, and access to such linked sites is at your own risk.

Cancel Proceed

Do you want to link to another Amgen Canada site?

You are now leaving the DiscoverTED.ca website. Please note that these links are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only.

No, return to DiscoverTED.ca Yes, leave DiscoverTED.ca

What is a TED flare?

A TED flare is when TED symptoms appear again after a period of stability. In a study of 415 patients, 15.7% of patients experienced recurrent TED. Most of these cases occurred within the first 1O years after the first episode of TED.

TED, Thyroid Eye Disease.

Back to previous page

A Background on Thyroid Eye Disease

  • Overview
  • Transcript

Watch the video to learn more about the differences between TED and Graves’ disease, and TED risk factors.

Announcer: Thyroid Eye Disease (or TED) is a rare disease affecting the eyes. TED is also referred to as Graves’ Eye Disease. TED can develop in patients with Graves’ disease. Although they are both autoimmune conditions, TED and Graves’ disease are different conditions as they affect different parts of the body.

In Graves’ disease, the body mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, resulting in an overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism. In TED, the immune system attacks the muscles and fat tissues behind the eyes, causing redness and swelling known as inflammation. This process results in both the muscles and fat tissues behind the eyes expanding, as well as a buildup of fluid.

Different medications and specialists are required to manage each condition. Some of the early symptoms of TED are eye pain, redness, dry or gritty eyes, or overly watery eyes, and blurry vision. These symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions, such as allergies.

TED is a progressive disease, which means it can get worse over time. Bulging eyes and eyelid swelling may occur as TED progresses. Eye swelling can make it hard to move the eyes. All these effects can lead to vision impairment, including double vision. In some cases, it is possible for the swelling of fat and muscle tissue to push against the optic nerve, which puts vision at risk.

While it is not entirely known why some people develop TED and others do not, doctors have found certain factors that put people at greater risk. This includes having a thyroid condition such as Graves’ disease, or hyperthyroidism, and Hashimoto’s disease, or hypothyroidism. The risk of developing TED may also be increased if patients have received radioactive iodine as treatment for Graves’ disease. In general, women are more likely to suffer from TED. Smoking and middle age further increase the risk of developing the condition.

As a rare and complicated disease, TED treatment requires a specialist who is familiar with treating it. Doctors who are most familiar with TED are usually specialized ophthalmologists, such as oculoplastic surgeons. Remember, TED can get worse over time. Early diagnosis and preventative management options are recommended by professional organizations.