Kevin Trueblood Dr. Khalert Technical Explanation for a Lay Audience
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Transcript of Kevin Trueblood Dr. Khalert Technical Explanation for a Lay Audience
Kevin TruebloodDr. Khalert
Technical Explanation for a Lay Audience
-Also known as Graves’ Ophthalmopathy-
Thyroid-AssociatedEye Disease
(TED)
WHY ARE YOU HERE? Everyone here has been diagnosed with
TED, hyperthyroidism, and/or Graves’ Disease.
To be educated! We will cover: What is TED? What are the symptoms? What are my treatment options?
WHAT IS THE THYROID GLAND?
First and Foremost
It is a large endocrine gland that wraps around your Adam’s Apple.
An endocrine gland is an organ that releases hormones into the bloodstream.
The thyroid’s hormones are key in managing your metabolism and functional growth.
It also regulates blood pressure, heart rate, and internal body temperature.
IT IS IMPORTANT!!!
The Thyroid
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE THYROID STOPS WORKING PROPERLY? Hyperthyroidism: When the thyroid
produces to many hormones. Hypothyroidism: When the thyroid
doesn’t produce enough hormones. Hyperthyroidism is what we are
concerned with today.
WHAT CAUSES HYPERTHYROIDISM? Graves’ Disease – an autoimmune
disease. Meat (believe it or not) Some medications Thyroiditis – inflammation of thyroid. Certain foods with iodine Genetics
Mama Trueblood
HOW IS THIS CONNECTED WITH TED? TED can come about in many ways, but
it is most commonly formed from the unfortunate combination of Graves’ Disease and hyperthyroidism.
The thyroid releases antibodies that falsely attack the muscles and tissues around the eyes.
These areas become inflamed and fill with water, which can cause a number of problems.
WARNING
Upper lid retraction. Sometimes one eye can be affected.
Extreme damage to cornea.
WHAT TO EXPECT Proptosis: swelling pushing the eyes
forward. Retraction of eyelids. Less eye movement. Double vision. Problems blinking and closing eyes. Damage to cornea or optic nerve.
SYMPTOMATIC TREATMENT In many cases, TED is not severe
enough for complex treatment options. Medicated eye drops can help dry eyes. Eye tape can be used for incomplete lid
closure. More pillows can prevent eye flooding!
Treatment Options
DOUBLE VISION Also known as diplopia Posture training Prism eyeglasses Surgery to reduce enlargement behind
eyes
MEDICAL DECOMPRESSION The use of medication to decompress
the affected areas Not recommended!
RADIOTHERAPY A noninvasive way to reduce tension in
eye muscles. Recommended use for only first year of
diagnosis. Radiation is dangerous in the long-term!
SURGICAL DECOMPRESSION Used as last resort. Needed when the cornea or optic nerve
are in danger. Can be used cosmetically as well. Incision and fat draining.
LID SURGERY Sometimes after TED has been resolved,
the eyelids are still retracted. Done immediately after surgery. Surgical muscle manipulation. Insertion of “spacers” about 4 mm thick.
Only 1 in 20 people with hyperthyroidism will get TED.
Most cases of TED are not severe. Now that you are educated, you have a
better chance of catching the symptoms early and receiving non-invasive treatment.
Don’t Worry!
GO EDUCATE YOURSELVES!! Graves’ Disease Hypothyroidism Goiter TED without thyroid problems Radiotherapy
QUESTIONS?