#Thyroid Eye Disease #Prevent Blindness #TED Week

Prevent Blindness Announces TED Week

Prevent Blindness, the premier organization in the U.S. dedicated to preventing blindness and preserving sight, has officially designated the week of November 10-16, 2025, as its sixth annual Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) Week. This initiative aims to significantly raise awareness of TED, a condition that can not only threaten vision but also impact mental health and overall quality of life.

Understanding Thyroid Eye Disease

Thyroid Eye Disease is an autoimmune condition that can either arise independently or as a secondary complication of Graves' Disease, wherein the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to hyperthyroidism. According to the National Eye Institute, TED presents symptoms such as:

• - Eye pain and irritation
• - Redness and inflammation
• - Double vision
• - Increased muscle and fat behind the eyes, causing the eyeballs to protrude.

In severe instances, this inflammation can put pressure on the optic nerve, risking vision loss. As a result, TED can adversely affect mental wellbeing, leading to conditions like depression, anxiety, and a diminished sense of self-worth.

Certain risk factors can heighten the likelihood of developing this condition:

• - Age: Primarily affects middle-aged adults, though younger individuals can be impacted.
• - Gender: Women are more frequently affected than men.
• - Family history: A hereditary predisposition can play a significant role.
• - Smoking: This habit elevates the risk by 7-8 times and prolongs the