Thyroid Eye Disease
Also written as: TED — Thyroid Eye Disease
An autoimmune inflammatory condition affecting the extraocular muscles and orbital tissues, commonly associated with Graves' disease.
Full Definition
Thyroid eye disease (TED), also known as Graves' ophthalmopathy, is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder affecting the orbital tissues, particularly the extraocular muscles and orbital fat. The condition results from cross-reactivity between thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins and TSH receptors in orbital tissues. Clinical manifestations include eyelid retraction, proptosis, diplopia, and in severe cases, compressive optic neuropathy. TED can occur before, during, or after the development of thyroid dysfunction and may progress independently of thyroid hormone levels. Management requires multidisciplinary collaboration between endocrinologists and ophthalmologists.
Usage
Usage note: May be abbreviated as TED; hyphenate 'thyroid-associated' when used as compound adjective.
In Context
- "The patient developed thyroid eye disease six months after Graves' disease diagnosis." — Ophthalmology consultation
- "Orbital MRI confirmed active thyroid eye disease with muscle thickening and edema." — Radiology report