Thyroid eye disease (TED), also known as Graves’ orbitopathy or Graves’ ophthalmopathy, is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder that affects the orbit of the eye. TED is mainly seen in patients with an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) caused by Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disease of the thyroid gland. About one quarter of people with Graves’ disease develop eye problems. TED affects hundreds of thousands of people in the world and approximately 50,000 people in the UK.
Early diagnosis of TED is essential for treatment to be effective and people with TED need to be looked after by an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) and a thyroid specialist (endocrinologist).
Unfortunately, access to specialist TED clinics and expertise varies widely. For this reason TEAMeD - a project supported by eye specialists, thyroid specialists, and patient support organisations (the BTF and the Thyroid Eye Disease Charitable Trust) was formed. It aims to improve care for people in the UK with TED, by putting in place measures to ensure access to information, early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and access to skilled professionals: endocrinologists and ophthalmologists offering high standards of joint care.
The BTF is not able to recommend any individual clinicians, however, the following links may help you find joint clinics and specialist clinicians in your area:
Thyroid eye disease joint clinics
Eye specialists
Information on eyelid surgery
TED is a distressing condition and some people find it can have a long-term effect on their psychological and social well-being. Information and support is available from a variety of sources including the RNIB
TED early warning card
Learn more about symptoms, diagnosis and management of Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) and how the risks are greater in smokers Read more
Watch the recording of our webinar on hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and thyroid surgery for Graves' disease Read more
Read our resources to support your psychological wellbeing with a thyroid disorder Read more
Hear from a leading expert about thyroid nodules and swellings (goitres) Read more
Learn about the relative advantages and disadvantages of radioiodine therapy (RAI) as a treatment option for an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) Read more
Questions about thyroid surgery? Hear from a leading expert about why and when thyroid surgery may be offered Read more
Learn how to recognise the signs of Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) and where to find further information Read more
Watch the recording of our 'Understanding thyroid function tests' webinar Read more
Find answers to your questions on thyroid eye disease (TED) Read more
Patient forums and Facebook groups for people with thyroid disorders Read more
Read more about the work of the Thyroid Eye Disease Amsterdam Declaration Implementation Group UK (TEAMeD) Read more
British Thyroid Foundation films by people affected by overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) Read more
A patient perspective on thyroid eye disease (TED) Read more
Learn about thyroid eye disease (TED) in children Read more
British Thyroid Foundation film explaining Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) Read more
Read about research suggesting selenium can improve symptoms of mild thyroid eye disease Read more
What impact does smoking have on Thyroid Eye Disease (TED)? Read more
Questions about thyroid disease? Need someone to talk to? Our BTF telephone support contacts are here to listen and chat Read more