Thyroid Eye Disease

Thyroid eye disease is a rare but serious condition that can leave you with bulging eyes, double vision, and pain so severe that simple tasks like driving become impossible. While traditional treatments often fall short, Bioinfusion Center offers advanced therapeutic options, including rituximab infusion therapy for cases that resist standard care. Cindy Crosby, MSN, FNP, CCRN, CRNI, and the medical team understand the urgency of treating this sight-threatening condition. Call the Farmington Hills, Michigan, office today to learn about comprehensive thyroid eye disease treatment or book a consultation online.

What is thyroid eye disease?

Thyroid eye disease is an autoimmune condition where your body’s defense system mistakenly attacks the tissues around your eyes. Your immune system starts attacking the tissue behind your eyes. The resulting inflammation causes these tissues to swell and push your eyeballs forward.

You might first notice your eyes feeling gritty or dry, then develop double vision as your eye muscles become inflamed and stiff. Pain, redness, and excessive tearing often follow. In severe cases, the swelling can compress your optic nerve and threaten your vision permanently.

What causes thyroid eye disease to develop?

About 90% of people with thyroid eye disease also have Graves’ disease, but the eye problems don’t always match up with your thyroid levels. You can have perfectly normal thyroid function and still develop severe eye symptoms.

The disease typically unfolds in two phases:

Active phase

During this stage, inflammation continues for six months to two years, causing tissue damage and changes.

Inactive phase

Inflammation stops at this point, but damage like bulging eyes and double vision usually stays.

If you smoke, your chances of developing severe thyroid eye disease skyrocket, and treatments are less effective. The earlier you stop smoking, the higher your chances are of responding well to treatment if you already have the disease.

Can infusion therapy treat thyroid eye disease? 

Yes, targeted infusion treatments can help control the inflammation and reduce symptoms, especially when started early. Bioinfusion Center provides two main approaches depending on your specific situation and how you've responded to other treatments:

Solu-Medrol® (methylprednisolone) 

High-dose steroids remain the first-line treatment for active inflammation. Solu-Medrol is a steroid that can quickly reduce swelling and may prevent permanent damage. 

Rituximab infusion therapy 

This medication targets the B-cells driving the autoimmune attack on your eye tissues. Studies show rituximab can reduce disease activity and may help avoid multiple surgeries.

After a comprehensive exam, the team can help decide which approach fits your situation and disease severity. Once you begin treatment, they carefully monitor your progress to ensure your health and safety.

Call Bioinfusion Center today to get expert evaluation and treatment for thyroid eye disease before permanent damage occurs.