Seeing Clearly Again: How Treatment is Transforming Life with Thyroid Eye Disease

If your eyes feel constantly irritated, bulging, or look different in photos, it might be more than just fatigue—it could be thyroid eye disease. This often-overlooked condition can cause painful, progressive symptoms that affect not just your vision but your confidence and daily life.

You might not think about how your thyroid could affect your eyes—until something starts to feel off. Maybe it’s the swelling, the redness, or a change in how you look or see. That’s when thyroid eye disease becomes hard to ignore. The sooner you understand what’s going on and explore your treatment options, the better your chances of protecting your vision and confidence.

I used to avoid looking in the mirror. I didn’t recognize myself—and I didn’t want anyone else to, either.

That’s how 64-year-old Angela R. from Richmond, Virginia, described her experience with thyroid eye disease (TED), a condition that doesn’t just affect your eyesight—it reshapes your face, limits your independence, and erodes your emotional well-being.

Like thousands of adults over 45, she struggled with bulging eyes, double vision, pain, and the creeping fear that her condition would only worsen.

I had to stop driving,” she said. “It wasn’t just a physical loss—it was the loss of freedom, of confidence.

For aging adults, especially those living with thyroid conditions like Graves’ disease, TED can be devastating. However, some medical experts suggest that a breakthrough therapy called Tepezza is changing that story—offering real relief by treating the root cause of the inflammation that drives TED.

Tepezza was approved by the FDA on January 21, 2020 and As of May 2025, over 20,000 patients have been treated with Tepezza.

What is Thyroid Eye Disease?

Thyroid eye disease is a serious autoimmune condition that occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks the tissues around your eyes. It often appears in people with Graves' disease or other thyroid imbalances—frequently in women between ages 40 and 65.

The resulting inflammation and swelling can lead to:

• Eye bulging (proptosis)
• Double or blurred vision (diplopia)
• Dryness and light sensitivity
• Pain, pressure, and difficulty closing the eyelids
• Visible facial changes and emotional distress

These symptoms don’t just disrupt daily life. They diminish quality of life and can accelerate loss of independence.

Dr. Raymond Douglas, MD, PhD, a leading TED specialist at Cedars-Sinai, explained, “TED can be disfiguring and disabling. Patients don’t just lose vision—they lose their identity, their autonomy, and often their emotional well-being.”

In fact, a study published in Endocrine Practice found that TED patients report worse quality of life than people with heart disease or diabetes.

“Thyroid eye disease is a lifelong autoimmune disease that can worsen or flare, regardless of how it has been treated. This is the case for many autoimmune diseases,” said George Kahaly, M.D., Ph.D., professor of medicine and endocrinology at Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center in Mainz, Germany.

A Breakthrough Treatment: What is Tepezza?

Tepezza (teprotumumab-trbw) is the first and only FDA-approved drug specifically for thyroid eye disease. It works by targeting a key pathway involved in the disease: the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R). This receptor is overactive in TED, triggering inflammation and tissue expansion behind the eyes.

By blocking IGF-1R, Tepezza:

• Reduces inflammation and eye bulging
• Relieves double vision and visual disruption
• Helps restore natural facial appearance
• Eases pain and pressure
• Improves quality of life—physically and emotionally

Administered via IV every three weeks for a total of eight infusions (over roughly five months), Tepezza offers relief without surgery. Many patients see results in as little as six weeks.

In clinical trials published in The New England Journal of Medicine, 83 percent of patients had a significant reduction in proptosis, and 68 percent saw improvement in double vision.

Emotional and Social Impact: “I Felt Invisible”

I stopped looking in mirrors. I couldn’t recognize the woman staring back at me.

That’s how 67-year-old Monica B., from Syracuse, New York describes life before treatment for thyroid eye disease (TED). She isn’t alone.

For adults already facing aging-related changes, TED can feel like insult on top of injury. Monica, like many patients, reported withdrawing from social activities out of embarrassment.

Many people express the feeling that people are staring at their eyes. They often feel disfigured and some people isolate themselves.

This psychological burden is well documented. A survey by Horizon Therapeutics and the Graves’ Disease and Thyroid Foundation found that:

• 89 percent of TED patients reported feeling self-conscious about their appearance
• 77 percent said TED made them anxious or depressed
• 47 percent said it strained their personal relationships

The emotional toll can be just as disabling as the physical symptoms. And for older adults, emotional isolation is a major risk factor for early cognitive decline and long-term care placement.

What Older Adults Need to Know

TED doesn't just affect how you look—it affects how you live. Visual impairment caused by TED can increase the risk of:

• Falls or injuries at home
• Inability to drive or navigate safely
• Poor medication management
• Loss of independence

These risks can lead to earlier admission into assisted living or long-term care—often placing emotional and financial pressure on families.

With treatment like Tepezza, these outcomes can be delayed or avoided. It’s not just a cosmetic fix—it’s a quality of life intervention.

Dr. Terry J. Smith, MD, an endocrinologist who co-led the development of Tepezza, said, “Tepezza addresses the inflammation causing the disease—not just the symptoms. It’s allowed patients to avoid surgery, preserve vision, and restore normalcy.”

Are There Side Effects?

As with any drug, side effects are possible. The most common include:

• Muscle spasms
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Hearing changes or tinnitus
• High blood sugar levels

People with diabetes or inflammatory bowel disease should talk to their doctors before beginning treatment.

Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider can help monitor side effects and ensure the treatment is working as expected.

Who Qualifies for Tepezza?

Tepezza is designed for patients with active thyroid eye disease—usually within nine months of symptom onset. Early treatment can prevent permanent damage.

If you’ve recently noticed:

• Eye swelling or bulging
• Vision changes
• Unexplained eye discomfort
• Changes to your facial appearance

…talk to your endocrinologist or eye specialist immediately. You may be referred to a TED specialist for diagnosis and treatment planning.

Planning for the Future

For many adults, TED becomes part of a broader conversation about aging and long-term care. Visual impairment, reduced mobility, and emotional withdrawal can all signal the need for support.

Tepezza helps you stay independent longer, reducing the likelihood of early reliance on family caregivers or professional care. But planning remains crucial.

Use the LTC News Cost of Care Calculator to estimate how the cost of long-term care services because of conditions like TED could affect your family and finances.

Final Word

Thyroid eye disease may rob you of your vision, comfort, and confidence—but it doesn’t have to win. Tepezza is helping thousands of adults over 45 reclaim their sight, their appearance, and their independence.

It really isn't about vanity—it’s about dignity. The right treatment allows you or a loved one to enjoy freedom to live again.

Resources:

• Tepezza Official Website – Treatment details, eligibility, and patient stories
• American Thyroid Association – Trusted education on thyroid diseases
• LTC News Long-Term Care Insurance Education Center – Learn about long-term care planning and how auto immune issues can impact the risk of needing extended care and underwriting.
• LTC News Insurance Claims Center – In cooperation with Amada Senior Services get free, no obligation processing of any LTC Insurance policy claim.

This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider for diagnosis or treatment options.