[Stymie]

#1059723

Hi everyone!

I have an ophthalmologist appt on Friday, and was just wondering what questions I need to ask. My eyes are red, they burn and feel as though there is sand in them. My husband doesn’t think they look any different, but I’ve noticed that they do. Nothing specific, just that I don’t look like myself when I look in the mirror.

What kind of tests do they do to determine if you have TED?

Is there any treatment to prevent the deterioration of your eyes?

I’m really nervous and don’t want to have any unnecessary tests done, nor do I want to not do something that should be done.

Thank you so much!

Diane

[snelsen]

#1177055

You are doing the right thing. Getting a baseline exam from an ophthalmologist who is familiar with TED (some aren’t) is a great idea.
Do not be concerned about unnecessary tests. The vision and other tests they do are not invasive, and it is very wise to have this appointment to have a baseline exam for your eyes. As you may have read, TED (thyroid eye disease) can happen, and it runs the gamut for the very few symptoms you have, which may/may not be TED, to many more symptoms, including double vision, extreme light sensitivity, loss of vision. All of this can be carefully followed and treated. Many people have the symptoms you have now, and never have any more, and do not progress to more severe TED. Having an extremely severe case of TED is rare (so I guess I am rare!)

Do ask the eye doc directly if he is familiar with TED. Some are, some aren’t.
You can say something like, “do you have many TED patients in your practice?”
Do write to tell us what you learn and how it goes.
I suggest not reading volumes and volumes about TED right now. Wait to see how it goes, what the doc thinks.
Shirley

[vanillasky]

#1177056

When I got diagnosed with Graves’, I went within 2 months to a great eye doctor that was well versed in TED. He went through regular tests. There was nothing different, but he concluded, I do not have (at this point) thyroid eye disease. He said he could tell by all the tests he did. Put me through the wringer! LOL! Some of it was uncomfortable, but he was great and very thorough.

I would just make sure he knows about Graves’ and how it affects the eyes. You should be set to go!

[Stymie]

#1177057

Just wanted to checking and let you all know that my appt went great!! The doctor sees no signs of Ted as of yet. He did give me some dry eye drops that apparently I am allergic too!! Lucky me!! So now my eyes are all red and swollen!!

Anyway he was very nice and seemed very knowledgeable on teds and Graves’ disease. He says he does see his fair share of teds patients. So now I only have to go back to see him if I see or feel any changes otherwise not until next year!! I was do happy I was ready to burst into tears!! But I held it in until I got to my car! Lol

So good news so far! Thanks for all your comments and help! I really appreciate it!

Diane

[vanillasky]

#1177058

I’m so happy for you, Diane! isn’t it great news? I remember thinking “well, that’s one thing I’m not worried about right now.” And we just keep watching. Stay on top of it.

Best wishes
Karen:)

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