Thyroid eye disease (TED), also known as Graves’ eye disease, usually stems from an autoimmune condition that starts when immune cells attack the thyroid gland, a tiny butterfly-shaped gland at the front of the neck.

Usually, the thyroid goes unnoticed, doing its job manufacturing the hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism. But when immune cells invade, the tiny gland responds by enlarging and secreting an excess amount of thyroid hormone. This results in increased metabolism, causing symptoms such as a fast heartbeat, high blood pressure, palpitations, heavy sweating, irritability, fatigue, and weight and hair loss.

“When the thyroid goes into overdrive, the immune system may also attack the tissues around the eyes,” explains Robert Kersten, MD, chief of the John A. Moran Eye Center’s Oculoplastic Division and part of University of Utah Health’s Thyroid Eye Disease (UTED) program.