Thyroid eye disease can affect how your eyes look and function. It can cause several unwanted symptoms. These include eye bulging, redness, and double vision. As the condition progresses, symptoms can worsen, and new ones can appear. Untreated thyroid eye disease can lead to further health issues. Prompt treatment is necessary to manage the condition. Treatment varies depending on the severity and type of symptoms you have. You may wonder: How does Tepezza help with thyroid eye disease? Below is helpful information about the most effective treatment.
How Does Tepezza Help with Thyroid Eye Disease?
For many years, thyroid eye disease treatment focused on managing symptoms. This approach continued until surgical intervention was needed to stabilize the disease’s progression. However, Tepezza changed the way the condition is treated. It is an FDA-approved medication that treats the underlying cause of thyroid eye disease. The medication is an insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor inhibitor. It effectively blocks the protein pathway responsible for swelling and inflammation. By interrupting the pathway, the medication reduces several symptoms. These include double vision, eye bulging, and inflammation.
The medication is highly effective. Patients often see improvements within just a few infusions. In fact, many see measurable changes even before treatment is fully finished. The medication is not a cure, but it effectively addresses the underlying process. Instead of just addressing the symptoms, it targets the root cause. Patients report significant improvements after treatment at the top plastic surgery center.
What to Expect from Tepezza Treatment
Addressing the root cause can improve your symptoms and overall quality of life. Knowing what to expect can help you feel prepared for your first dose. Tepezza is administered through an intravenous infusion. The dosing is calculated based on your body weight. It involves a series of eight infusions, with the first infusion set at a lower dose than the remaining seven. You will get the infusion every three weeks over a few months.
You complete it in an outpatient setting so that you can go home afterward. The appointment can take a few hours. A nurse will monitor you throughout the infusion. Adverse reactions are rare, but they can occur. Most patients can return to their routine the same day. However, others may need to rest afterward. Each patient is uniquely different, so it is important to listen to your body after the infusion treatment. Some people experience mild side effects. This may include nausea, muscle spasms, or fatigue. These often subside as you continue with treatment.
We monitor and measure your progress at each visit. This is to track several symptoms caused by thyroid eye disease. We track eye bulging, vision, and inflammation at every visit. We take photos and measurements before treatment. This allows for an objective comparison as you continue Tepezza treatment. We adjust treatment based on your symptom progress.
Am I a Candidate for Tepezza Treatment?
Tepezza treatment is highly effective for those with thyroid eye disease. However, not every patient is a good candidate. Candidates generally have active thyroid eye disease, with moderate to severe symptoms. These may include bulging, double vision, or pressure behind the eyes. A skilled specialist will review your thyroid history, eye exam findings, and orbital imaging. This information is necessary to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for Tepezza treatment.
At your consultation, share your full medical history. This helps us build a plan that fits your unique needs. This helps ensure your safety and the success of treatment. Some patients may need closer monitoring. Specifically, patients with diabetes or prediabetes. Treatment can impact blood sugar levels, which can be harmful for patients with those conditions. A skilled specialist will need to know your full medical history, along with your current medications and supplements.
Combining Tepezza with Other Treatments
Tepezza is highly effective as it works differently than prior thyroid eye disease medications. Tepezza targets the pathway directly involved in the disease process behind the eyes. This not only calms symptoms but interrupts the disease much closer to the source. Tepezza is great for addressing the internal issues that lead to unwanted symptoms. However, it does not address the cosmetic or reconstructive concerns some patients have. Some patients still need surgical intervention.
Working with a skilled specialist can help you time your treatments correctly. Tepezza works best before scarring and fibrosis set in. Surgery is generally reserved for the stable phase of the condition, once inflammation has resolved. Working with an experienced surgeon is necessary to map out the right treatment approach. In many cases, a combination approach is key to address the disease and prevent symptom progression. Customizing the approach to meet your unique needs is key.
Risks Associated with Untreated Thyroid Eye Disease
Many people avoid getting an evaluation for their thyroid eye disease symptoms. Early intervention is critical. It can help you address the symptoms that impact your daily life. It can also manage the disease in a way that ensures your long-term eye health. Untreated thyroid eye disease can lead to serious issues.
Vision Loss
One of the most serious risks of untreated thyroid eye disease is vision loss. Swelling behind the eyes can put too much pressure on the optic nerve. This compression can lead to compressive optic neuropathy. This serious condition can lead to permanent vision issues.
Corneal Damage
Corneal damage is a concern if you leave your thyroid eye disease untreated. Severe eyelid retraction and bulging can prevent the eyes from fully closing. This can even occur when you sleep, leaving your cornea exposed for hours. Dryness, irritation, and ulceration are common when this happens. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek prompt evaluation.
Top Plastic Surgery Center
Leaving thyroid eye disease untreated can lead to serious issues. If you need treatment, contact the team at Leyngold Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation!