If you’re having problems with your eyes, it’s important for you to see an ophthalmologist who’s as experienced with TED (Thyroid Eye Disease) as you can access. Perhaps your original doctor isn’t one of those. Find a doctor you’re comfortable with. (I choose NOT to see doctors who don’t take my symptoms seriously.)
The “hot phase” is when the antibodies are causing changes to the tissues and/or muscles around your eyes. The “cold phase” refers to a period of stability following the “hot phase”, during which it’s usually considered appropriate to perform any necessary surgical procedures. Some people never get anything worse than dryness and irritation, and others have proptosis (bulging), lid retraction, double vision, restricted eye motion, sensitivity to light, chemosis (inflammation of the eye lining) and sometimes even loss of vision.
Whether there are other appropriate treatments besides artificial tears will depend entirely on the cause of your problems, which is something your doctor will evaluate. (For example, if our eyes don’t close all the way at night because of lid retraction, many of us are advised to use an ophthalmic ointment at night and sometimes tape the eyes closed while we sleep.)
There are several treatment possibilities that might relieve your symptoms, and it’s important not to ignore the dryness and grittiness, as your cornea can be damaged. Artificial tears are not usually adequate for TED.
Best Wishes,
Dianne W