What causes Thyroid Eye Disease?

Thyroid Eye Disease is caused by thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) antibodies that mistakenly attack the tissues around your eyes. These antibodies are the same ones that cause Graves' disease, an overactive thyroid condition. When TSI antibodies infiltrate the muscles and fatty tissue behind your eyes, they trigger inflammation and swelling, which can push your eyes forward and cause the bulging appearance often seen with this condition.

What is the best test for Thyroid Eye Disease?

The Thyroid-Stimulating Immunoglobulin (TSI) test is the most important test for Thyroid Eye Disease because it measures the specific antibodies that cause eye inflammation and swelling. Elevated TSI levels confirm that your immune system is actively producing the antibodies responsible for attacking the tissues around your eyes. This test is essential for diagnosing the autoimmune basis of your symptoms and helps your doctor determine the best treatment approach. While the diagnosis of TED relies heavily on physical examination and imaging, the TSI test provides critical information about the underlying autoimmune activity driving the condition.

When should I get tested for Thyroid Eye Disease?

You should get tested if you notice your eyes appearing more prominent or bulging, experience double vision, have persistent eye pain or pressure, notice excessive tearing or dry eyes, or have difficulty closing your eyelids completely. Testing is especially important if you have been diagnosed with Graves' disease or hyperthyroidism, as about 30-50% of people with these conditions develop eye symptoms. Early detection through blood testing can help prevent vision complications and guide treatment decisions.

What are the symptoms of Thyroid Eye Disease?

Symptoms of Thyroid Eye Disease include bulging or protruding eyes, eye pain or pressure, redness and swelling of the eyelids, double vision, sensitivity to light, excessive tearing, dry or gritty feeling in the eyes, and difficulty moving your eyes. You might also notice that your eyes appear wider or that you have a staring expression. In severe cases, vision can become blurred or you may have trouble closing your eyelids completely, especially during sleep.

Who is at risk for Thyroid Eye Disease?

People with Graves' disease or hyperthyroidism are at highest risk for developing Thyroid Eye Disease. Smokers are significantly more likely to develop TED and tend to have more severe symptoms. Women are affected more often than men, though men who do develop the condition often have more severe cases. The disease typically affects people between ages 30 and 50, and having a family history of thyroid disease or autoimmune conditions increases your risk.

What happens if Thyroid Eye Disease is left untreated?

If left untreated, Thyroid Eye Disease can lead to serious complications including permanent vision loss due to compression of the optic nerve, corneal damage from inability to fully close the eyelids, chronic double vision, and permanent eye muscle damage. The inflammation can cause scarring of the eye tissues, leading to lasting changes in eye appearance and function. Early detection through blood testing and prompt treatment are crucial to prevent these irreversible complications and preserve your vision.

Can Thyroid Eye Disease be diagnosed with a blood test?

Blood tests play an important role in diagnosing Thyroid Eye Disease by detecting TSI antibodies and confirming autoimmune thyroid activity. While the diagnosis primarily relies on clinical examination of your eyes and imaging studies, blood tests like the TSI test help confirm the underlying autoimmune cause and rule out other conditions. Your doctor will typically combine blood test results with a physical eye exam and possibly CT or MRI scans to make a complete diagnosis and assess the severity of the condition.

How is Thyroid Eye Disease treated?

Treatment for Thyroid Eye Disease focuses on managing inflammation and protecting your vision. Mild cases may be treated with lubricating eye drops, cool compresses, and selenium supplements. Moderate to severe cases often require corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, or medications like teprotumumab that specifically target the autoimmune process. In some cases, orbital decompression surgery may be needed to create more space for swollen tissues or surgery to correct double vision. Managing your underlying thyroid condition and quitting smoking are essential parts of treatment.

How can I prevent Thyroid Eye Disease?

While you cannot completely prevent Thyroid Eye Disease if you have Graves' disease, you can reduce your risk and severity by quitting smoking immediately, as smoking is the single most important modifiable risk factor. Keeping your thyroid hormone levels well-controlled through proper treatment and regular monitoring can help reduce the likelihood of developing eye problems. Managing stress, avoiding secondhand smoke, and working closely with your endocrinologist to maintain stable thyroid function are also important preventive measures.

What can I do at home for Thyroid Eye Disease?

At home, you can manage Thyroid Eye Disease symptoms by using lubricating eye drops regularly to combat dryness, sleeping with your head elevated to reduce swelling, wearing sunglasses to protect sensitive eyes from light and wind, and applying cool compresses to reduce inflammation and discomfort. Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke exposure, as this significantly worsens symptoms. You might also find relief by taping your eyelids closed at night if they do not fully close, and taking selenium supplements as recommended by your doctor, which may help reduce inflammation.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

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Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

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During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Thyroid Eye Disease Blood Test

What is Thyroid Eye Disease?

Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), also known as Graves' Ophthalmopathy, is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation and swelling of the tissues around the eyes, potentially leading to vision problems. It is caused by thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) antibodies that attack the eye muscles and fatty tissues behind the eyes. The Thyroid-Stimulating Immunoglobulin (TSI) test is the most important test for diagnosing TED because it measures the specific antibodies responsible for the eye inflammation.

Written by Private MD Labs Medical Team

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

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