Thyroid Eye Disease

Thyroid Eye Disease can significantly impact a person's quality of life, affecting not only their physical appearance but also their vision and overall well-being. Our team specializes in the comprehensive management of Thyroid Eye Disease, offering advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs.

Optimizing Your Well-Being in Westchester, NY

New York Eye & Face is dedicated to patient safety, success, and well-being. Our state-of-the-art boutique office is equipped with the latest cutting-edge diagnostic equipment, and we offer a range of advanced solutions for complex concerns such as thyroid eye disease. All treatments are administered by our award-winning, board-certified oculoplastic surgeon, Dr. Anaïs Carniciu, who is known for her skillful precision and empathetic, caring demeanor.

Dr. Carniciu is wonderful. Has a great disposition and very knowledgeable. I had severe thyroid disease and was desperately seeking help and treatment and she walked me through the whole process and got me the treatment I needed. Feel like I have my life back. Thank you so much. 100 stars from me.

M.I.

What is Thyroid Eye Disease?

In a small group of patients, abnormalities related to thyroid function can manifest as changes in the structures around the eye. While most patients with thyroid abnormalities, such as Graves’ disease, have no eye involvement, a minority develop signs of thyroid eye disease (TED). Inflammation can cause eye irritation, discomfort, redness, and/or swelling of the eyelids and eyes. The eye may become more prominent and appear to be larger, which contributes to a surprised look. In more severe cases, double vision, eye misalignment, and even vision loss may occur. The specific treatment option for you will depend on the severity of your TED. Often, your surgeon will order labs and imaging studies (CT or MRI) for treatment planning. If you do come for an evaluation, please try to obtain and bring any available imaging studies (CT/MRI) or lab results to your visit. Past photos are often helpful in order to understand the progression of your condition.

Treatment Options for TED

The treatment options are broad in TED. For the mildest forms, no treatment or symptomatic treatment with medications or lifestyle changes may be all that is recommended. As TED can change many adjacent structures, medication or surgery can be considered to improve the appearance and/or function of the eyelids or other regions around the eye. Surgeries can be performed to improve the eyelids, eye muscles, or even the surrounding bony anatomy.

TEPEZZA IV Infusions

Dr. Carniciu prescribes TEPEZZA, a non-invasive, multi-symptom treatment for thyroid eye disease. TEPEZZA is an FDA-approved intravenous (IV) infusion used to target the source of thyroid eye disease over a period of months, with multiple infusions. TEPEZZA helps to address the immune system, preventing it from attacking the tissues around the eyes. This non-surgical treatment helps alleviate symptoms and reduces inflammation.

Surgical Treatments

For some patients, the best option to treat thyroid eye disease is with a surgical procedure. The specific surgery and approach will depend on the patient's unique situation and the specific treatment of interest. Some orbital surgeries can be performed through incisions on the inside of the eyelid, and these operations usually heal without a scar. In some cases, skin incisions are required. In more extensive surgery, removal of bony tissue may be required. Specifics can be discussed on a case-by-case basis during your private consultation with Dr. Carniciu in Westchester, NY. Typically, the surgery is performed in an outpatient (non-hospital) setting under either light anesthesia (IV sedation and local medication injected at the surgical site) or general anesthesia (you are asleep for the procedure). Patients are able to go home on the same day of the procedure.

What to Expect After Surgery

Bruising and swelling are typical after eyelid surgery and peak in the first postoperative week. Dr. Carniciu recommends remaining home to recover for approximately one week. Thereafter, most patients can comfortably return to work, provided their job is sedentary. During the recovery period, heavy exertion is avoided.

Why Choose New York Eye & Face?

Discerning Westchester patients seeking highly precise, natural-looking results will find New York Eye & Face to be a sanctuary for aesthetic excellence, safety, and efficiency. Dr. Carniciu, the current President-Elect of the Westchester County Medical Society, is a compassionate surgeon who offers one-on-one attention and outstanding concierge care in a technologically advanced practice setting. She has an illustrious training background that is combined with an exclusive career focus on facial procedures, making her the ideal choice for those seeking assistance with the effects of Thyroid Eye Disease (TED). Dr. Carniciu is one of only 750 practitioners worldwide to be certified by ASOPRS (the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery), an elite organization that ensures the highest standards of excellence in the field of oculoplastic surgery. Members are required to undergo extensive Fellowship training and exhaustive written and oral examinations. Dr. Carniciu is the only ASOPRS-certified oculoplastic surgeon in the area and she is dedicated to serving her community. She delivers nuanced, natural-looking results that are carefully tailored to each patient’s unique wishes and goals.