What Happens If You Don’t Treat Thyroid Eye Disease?

Symptoms of thyroid eye disease (also called Graves’ orbitopathy) may seem tolerable at first. However, like many health conditions, thyroid eye disease can get worse if it goes untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent many of the complications — including vision loss — of this inflammatory disease.

The good news is that early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent many of the problems linked to thyroid eye disease. Vision loss is often irreversible, so preserving eye health is critical. Plus, treatment can help relieve unpleasant symptoms like gritty, watery eyes. Starting treatment when your symptoms are still mild can help prevent irreversible damage to your eyes and your vision. Learn more about how doctors treat thyroid eye disease.

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Written by:

Lauren Smith, MA

Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.

Reviewed by:

Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP

Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP, has more than 15 years of experience as an attending pediatrician. She has worked in a large academic center in an urban city, a small community hospital, a private practice, and an urgent care clinic.

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