Not everyone goes through the eye problems I have, but there are many posting here so that I do not think this is a rare occurance. Please make your eyes a priority and follow up with a specialist.

I was diagnosed with Grave's Disease in 2008 and had a total thyroidectomy in April 2010. Radioactive iodine was not indicated due to severe thyroid eye disease. The thyroidectomy did take care of the storms and most of the metabolism complications, but my immune system was not fooled and I continued to have eye problems, as my TSH level shot to 20 and hypothyroidism aggravates thyroid eye disease as well.

Stable levels are the best way to avoid TED, but the eye attacks may still go on for years as the autoimmune process can be unpredictable. In Oct of 2010 I had bilateral eye muscle surgery to help correct the double vision. Jan 2011 I had prisms cut into my glasses to further correct my double vision.

In May 2011, I had orbital decompression done through the nose as my eyes were pushed out to the point that I was now in jeopardy with my optic nerve as well. They could not do the traditional approach through the corner of the eyes. My nose was broken, orbit bones, sinus bones and temple skull plates were removed in order to recess my eyes. 2 top surgeons in a huge medical center, 3 months to coordinate at set up the surgery, 6 hours of surgery, 4 days in the hospital. I am very happy with the results. I actually now have 20/20 vision with glasses and minimal double vision. This was not expected to happen, but it did! My eyes have recessed back about 5 mm. Next month I complete the surgeries with graphs to the lower lids and reconstruction to lift them up as I still have a large area of my conjunctiva exposed.

Was it worth it? Yes. I had severe pain, could not close my eyes without pain and sticking, had to lubricate my eyes every hour, and looked like an alien.