If you experience dry or watery eyes, red eyes, bulging eyes, difficulty closing the eyes, or problems with vision, you may have thyroid eye disease.
Overview
This is caused by an autoimmune disorder that creates an abnormal reaction to muscles and tissue around the eyes. If you have difficulty closing your eyelids, this can lead to a corneal ulcer and loss of vision. Another cause for immediate treatment is if the swollen eye muscles compress the optic nerve that enables messages between the eye and the brain. Without reversing these symptoms, permanent loss of vision could occur.
Our approach
Patients diagnosed with thyroid eye disease have the benefit of working with one of the largest thyroid eye clinics in the United States. These experts provide sophisticated technology and compassionate care for you. We have a Center for Thyroid Eye Disease, which brings together experts in orbital and oculoplastic surgery, neuro-ophthalmology, and adult strabismus who work together in a coordinated clinic. In the operating rooms, we have the most advanced surgical equipment available to perform complex orbital surgeries.
Many physicians at the University of Minnesota participate in clinical trials. Children treated here have access to more clinical trials than anywhere else in Minnesota. Discoveries made here often become the standard of care around the world. Ask your physician about clinical trials in the Center for Thyroid Eye Disease.