Puffy eyes: cosmetic problem or thyroid eye disease?

Thyroid eye disease (TED) is an inflammatory disease of the orbit and is associated with thyroid disease such as Graves’ disease. It presents in many different ways and is often misdiagnosed and undertreated.

The eye changes in TED usually progress slowly but sudden deterioration can occur. When severe, the disease causes disfigurement, double vision and blindness. The typical early warning symptoms of red eyes, recurrent or persistent eyelid swelling or puffiness around the eyes, or chronic watery eye (epiphora) should be heeded.