Thyroid Eye Disease (Graves' Disease)
Treatment of Thyroid Eye Disease by Oculofacial Specialist Dr. Maria D. Garcia
Thyroid eye disease (TED) or Graves’ Disease can present with a constellation of symptoms. These may include bulging of the eyes, eyelid retraction, and excessive swelling around the upper and lower eyelids, which can cause both medical and cosmetic issues. As an orbital surgery specialist, Dr. Maria D. Garcia works with each individual patient to assess their unique symptoms of TED and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Thyroid Eye Disease Surgery: At a Glance
- Procedure Types: Eyelid retraction repair and orbital decompression
- Procedure Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Setting: Outpatient surgical center
- Anesthesia: IV sedation or general anesthesia
- Return to Desk Work: 10 to 14 days
What Is Orbital Decompression?
Thyroid eye disease will commonly cause swelling or muscle/fat expansion behind the eye, leading to bulging eyes. With a greater portion of the eye surface exposed, patients may also experience symptoms such as inflammation, dryness, and irritation. Orbital decompression surgery expands the room in the eye socket by removing bonye or fatty tissue, allowing the eye to settle into a more natural position.
What Is Eyelid Retraction Repair?
Is Orbital Decompression or Eyelid Retraction Repair Right for Me?
The Consultation Process at The Oculofacial Studio
Planning for TED surgery starts with a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Garcia. Your consultation will include key assessments of your eyelid and orbital anatomy as well as your symptoms, along with elements such as:
- Medical history review
- Eye assessments (vision, protrusion, corneal exposure)
- Optic nerve evaluation
- Orbital imaging (e.g., CT scan)
Why Choose The Oculofacial Studio for Thyroid Eye Disease Surgery?
Patients choose Dr. Garcia for oculofacial procedures like orbital decompression because:
- Dr. Garcia is a fellowship-trained oculofacial plastic surgeon.
- She has extensive experience with highly complex TED cases.
- Surgical goals balance function, health, and appearance.
- She adapts yourher medical or surgical plan to your specific needs.
- Dr. Garcia’s conservative approach promotes natural-looking results.
Thyroid Eye Disease FAQs
What are the risks of orbital decompression?
As orbital decompression is a complex procedure, working with a qualified surgeon is essential to minimize any risks. .Risks may include bleeding, infection and vision loss among others.
Is thyroid eye disease surgery painful?
How long does swelling last?
Most visible swelling resolves within 3 to 4 weeks. Ice cold compresses can help with initial swelling when gently applied. Residual swelling will resolve over the following weeks, though it should not be noticeable. Still, your full results require this swelling to resolve so the tissues can settle.
Does orbital decompression cure thyroid eye disease?
Surgical interventions for thyroid eye disease do not cure the condition, as the disease itself is an autoimmune disease. However, the surgery relieves symptoms, with results are maintained through proper medical management of the underlying condition.
Will I have visible scars?
The extent of scarring will vary depending on the procedure. However, Dr. Garcia always aims to minimize visible scarring, creating incisions in along the eyelid crease or inside the eyelid whenever possible. Patients can also help any scarring improve over time with attentive aftercare.
