Key Takeaways
- Thyroid Eye Disease Awareness Week is a national observance led by the nonprofit Prevent Blindness, and in 2026 it runs November 9–15.
- Thyroid eye disease (TED) is an autoimmune condition that causes swelling and irritation in the tissues around the eyes.
- Early TED symptoms, like dry, irritated, or watery eyes, can look a lot like everyday eye problems, so they are easy to brush off.
- TED most often happens in people with Graves’ disease, but it can also occur with other thyroid conditions or even a normal thyroid.
- Bay Area Rheumatology is a leading arthritis and autoimmune care clinic serving the Tampa Bay area, with infusion suites for thyroid eye disease treatment in its Clearwater and Oldsmar offices. Request an appointment with Bay Area Rheumatology online to talk about your symptoms.
What Is Thyroid Eye Disease Awareness Week?
Thyroid Eye Disease Awareness Week is a yearly observance that helps people learn the signs of TED and the treatments available. It is led by Prevent Blindness, a national nonprofit focused on eye health and safety. In 2026, the observance takes place from November 9 to November 15, according to the Prevent Blindness 2026 Thyroid Eye Disease Awareness Week page.
The goal is simple: help more people recognize TED early and get to the right care. For many people in Tampa Bay, that week is a good reminder to take a second look at eye changes they may have ignored.
Why Are TED Symptoms Easy to Miss?
What Thyroid Eye Disease Does to the Eyes
TED is an inflammatory disorder that affects the muscles, fat, and other tissues around the eyes. It happens when the immune system makes antibodies (proteins that normally fight germs) that attach to receptors in the thyroid. Some of those same receptors sit in the tissues behind the eyes, so the antibodies can affect the eyes too, as explained in Cleveland Clinic’s guide to thyroid eye disease.
Early Signs That Look Like Everyday Eye Problems
Cleveland Clinic lists these common TED symptoms:
- Bulging eyes, also called proptosis.
- Eye irritation.
- Swollen, inflamed eyelids.
- Dry eyes or watery eyes.
- Frequent blinking.
- Light sensitivity.
- Eye pain and headaches.
- Trouble moving the eyes.
- Double vision.
Several of these symptoms, such as dryness, irritation, or watery eyes, are also common with allergies, screen time, or a long day. That overlap is part of why TED can go unnoticed at first. Symptoms usually affect both eyes, but some people notice them in only one eye.
How TED Connects to Graves’ Disease and Other Thyroid Conditions
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune condition that makes the thyroid overactive. It is the most common cause of TED, which is why TED is also called Graves’ eye disease. However, other autoimmune thyroid conditions, such as Hashimoto’s disease, can also cause it. People with normal thyroid levels can develop TED as well.
You may be more likely to develop TED if you:
- Are female. Females are five times more likely to get Graves’ disease and Graves’ eye disease, though males who get it are more likely to have severe symptoms.
- Have thyroid hormone levels that are too high or too low.
- Have had radioactive iodine therapy, a common treatment for an overactive thyroid.
- Smoke or are around secondhand smoke.
The Active and Inactive Phases of TED
TED usually moves through two phases. Knowing which phase you are in helps your care team choose the right treatment.
| Active Phase | Inactive (Stable) Phase | |
|---|---|---|
| How long does it last? | Can last two years or more | Begins once inflammation settles down |
| What symptoms does it cause? | May come and go and range from mild to severe | Some changes improve, while others may stay |
| Common treatment focus | Easing symptoms and calming inflammation | Surgery may be considered for lasting changes |
Source: Cleveland Clinic
Graves’ Eye Disease Treatment Options
Most cases of TED are mild. When treatment is needed, it depends on the phase and how severe the disease is. Options may include:
- Eye drops to ease dryness, redness, or pain.
- Selenium supplements, since low selenium can make symptoms worse.
- Prism glasses or an eye patch to help with double vision.
- Thyroid medicines to bring hormone levels back into a healthy range.
- Corticosteroids, which are strong anti-inflammatory medicines given by mouth or through a vein.
- Teprotumumab (Tepezza®), which in 2020 became the first medicine approved in the U.S. specifically for TED.
- Surgery, usually after the disease is stable, to correct eye bulging, eyelid position, or eye muscle problems.
Tepezza Infusions at Bay Area Rheumatology
Tepezza is given as an IV (intravenous) infusion, meaning the medicine flows into a vein through a thin tube. Bay Area Rheumatology offers Tepezza infusions in state-of-the-art infusion suites at both its Clearwater and Oldsmar offices. The team works with your referring provider to build a plan and helps you navigate insurance approvals. You can learn more on the Bay Area Rheumatology infusion therapy page.
How to Start a Conversation With Your Doctor About Symptoms?
If you think you might have TED, a little preparation can make your next visit more useful. Before your appointment:
- Write down your eye symptoms and when they started.
- Note whether one eye or both eyes are affected.
- Bring a list of any thyroid conditions, past thyroid treatments, and current medicines.
- Share whether you smoke or are often around smoke.
- Ask directly: “Could these symptoms be thyroid eye disease?”
Call your healthcare provider right away if your field of vision narrows, colors look different than usual, or you have sudden, severe eye pain. These changes may need urgent care.
Spot TED Early With Bay Area Rheumatology’s Tampa Bay Team
Thyroid Eye Disease Awareness Week is a reminder that small eye changes can point to a bigger autoimmune issue, and early care can make a real difference. Bay Area Rheumatology helps Tampa Bay patients manage TED with expert, closely monitored infusion care.
If you are living with TED symptoms, request an appointment with Bay Area Rheumatology to discuss thyroid eye disease treatment at the Clearwater or Oldsmar office.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Thyroid Eye Disease Awareness Week in 2026?
Thyroid Eye Disease Awareness Week runs from November 9 to November 15, 2026. Prevent Blindness leads the observance each year to help people learn about TED symptoms and treatment.
What are the first TED symptoms to look for?
Early TED symptoms often include dry, irritated, or watery eyes, eyelid swelling, and light sensitivity. As it progresses, some people notice bulging eyes, eye pain, or double vision.
Is thyroid eye disease the same as Graves’ eye disease?
Yes. When TED happens in someone with Graves’ disease, it is often called Graves’ eye disease. Your provider may also use terms like Graves’ ophthalmopathy or thyroid orbitopathy.
Can you get thyroid eye disease with a normal thyroid?
Yes. TED is most common with Graves’ disease, but people with other thyroid conditions, or even normal thyroid function, can develop it.
Where can I find a rheumatologist in Clearwater, FL, for thyroid eye disease treatment?
Bay Area Rheumatology offers thyroid eye disease treatment with Tepezza infusions at its Clearwater and Oldsmar offices, serving patients across the Tampa Bay area.
