Pictures and Images Demonstrating Thyroid Eye Disease Symptoms

What Thyroid Eye Disease Looks Like in Pictures

Thyroid eye disease, also called Graves' ophthalmopathy, can dramatically impact the appearance of the eyes and surrounding tissues. Seeing pictures of how thyroid conditions affect the eyes can help identify the visual symptoms and understand what to expect.

Proptosis (Bulging Eyes)

One of the most common visual manifestations of thyroid eye disease is proptosis, or bulging of the eyes outward. This occurs because the tissue behind the eyes swells and pushes the eyes forward.

Images of proptosis show the white sclera becoming visible below and above the colored iris as the eyeball protrudes. It can affect one or both eyes with varying degrees of severity depending on the inflammation level behind the eyes.

Mild proptosis may be hard to notice at first, but distinctive bulging becomes apparent as the condition progresses. Photos help capture how dramatic the protruding can become in moderate to advanced cases.

Retraction of Eyelids

As swelling pushes the eyes outward, the eyelids often retract and fail to cover the eyes properly. This can make the eyes appear wide open and larger than normal.

Pictures demonstrate how high amounts of visible sclera are exposed both above and below the iris. The white of the eye may remain constantly exposed even when the person blinks or shuts their eyes fully.

In severe instances, the eyelid retraction can be so great that the eyes struggle to close all the way, leading to dryness and other complications.

Eyelid Lag

Eyelid lag, or von Graefe's sign, happens when the upper eyelid lags behind and delays moving when looking down. Photos capturing this symptom show the top lid staying high while the eyes shift down.

This lag happens because the swelling behind the eyeballs hinders the eyelid's mobility. Images can illustrate exactly how the lack of synchronization looks as the eye gaze changes.

Eyelid lag varies based on the inflammation severity. Subtle lag may be hard to photograph, while pronounced cases clearly demonstrate the disconnect between eyeball and lid movement.

Dry, Irritated Eyes

Thyroid eye disease disrupts normal tear production and drainage. Photographs reveal the resulting redness, irritation, and dryness of the eyes.

Images show scratches and inflammation of the transparent cornea due to the lack of adequate tears. The white conjunctiva lining the eyelids also commonly appears inflamed.

In severe dryness, the eyes take on a tired and gritty appearance as they struggle to maintain lubrication and protect themselves from irritation.

Watery Eyes

While dryness is common, excessive watering can also occur. This happens when tear drainage through the nasolacrimal ducts gets backed up.

Photos of watery thyroid eyes show tears welling along the eyelids and eyelashes. The skin around the eyes may appear red and wet from the constant overflow of tears.

Excessive tearing is the eyes' response to irritation. But when the tears have trouble draining properly, they spill out and run down the cheeks rather than providing relief.

Eyelid Retraction

The swelling of tissues surrounding the eyes can sometimes cause the eyelids to retract and pull backward into the eye socket.

Images demonstrate how the upper and lower eyelid position appears tucked deeper into the skull than normal. This exposes more visible white sclera above and below the colored iris.

Extreme retraction can expose additional pinkish inner eyelid tissue not usually visible. It gives the appearance of the eye being sunken back and buried within the eye socket.

Eyelid Swelling

Fluid buildup and inflammation of the eyelid skin itself leads to puffy, swollen eyelids in many thyroid eye disease cases.

Photos reveal enlarged, distended eyelids that appear heavy and thick. The swelling is often visibly noticeable along the upper lid in particular.

The swollen eyelids hang lower and take on a rounded, baggy appearance compared to their normally thin tapered structure. Severe swelling can partially obstruct vision.

Bulging Eyelid Fat

One key component of thyroid-related eyelid swelling is protrusion of orbital fat stored behind the eyes.

Images display bulges of fatty tissue herniating forward under the thin eyelid skin. This creates visible lumps and bumps along the eyelids.

Lower lids tend to exhibit more protruding blobs of fat. But in some cases, upper eyelid fat pads also get pushed outward and become visible swelling under the eyelid skin.

Extraocular Muscle Enlargement

The muscles controlling eye movement can expand and become inflamed. Photos reveal bulging and enlarged extraocular muscles.

Most noticeable are enlarged muscles in the lower eyelid causing it to appear thicker and more rounded. Images show asymmetric muscle swelling.

In severe inflammation, enlarged eye muscles can restrict movement and contribute to double vision. pictures help document improvement after treatment and steroid therapy.

Eyelid Edema

Fluid accumulation in the eyelid tissues leads to diffuse edema and swelling.

Photos demonstrate generalized smooth puffiness and enlargement of the upper and lower eyelids. The edema causes the eyelids to appear swollen and heavy.

This non-pitting edema fluid is related to inflammation and disruption of lymphatic drainage around the eyes. Imaging can track edema severity and response to anti-inflammatory medication.

Double Vision (Diplopia)

Inflammation of eye muscles leads to dysfunction and impaired coordination between the eyes. This manifests as double vision, or seeing two overlapping images.

Photos can't show the visual disturbance itself. But they document the underlying eye muscle enlargement causing the diplopia. Images also reveal misalignment of the eyes.

Double vision photos assist doctors in pinpointing which muscles are involved and guiding treatments like prisms, patching, or surgery to realign the eyes.

The Importance of Thyroid Eye Disease Pictures

Images provide powerful visualization of the diverse eye effects stemming from thyroid conditions. Documenting the progression with photos assists both patient and doctor in evaluating the disease course and response to therapy over time.

Pictures communicate the significant visual impact of thyroid eye disease. They enhance understanding of the discomfort, functional impairments and appearance-related concerns facing those with thyroid-related eye problems.

Photos raise awareness of the value of early detection and intervention. And they remind us of the human faces behind the medical terminology.

By capturing thyroid eye disease in images, we can better empathize, inform treatment decisions, and optimize patient outcomes. Pictures lend both meaning and hope to the journey toward restored eye health and appearance.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.