In Home Care: Thyroid Eye Disease

Thyroid Eye Disease (TED): associated with predominantly Graves’ Disease, TED is characterized by inflammation and proptosis of the eyes, along with altered appearance and vision changes

(the above definition, reference from Dr. Raymond Douglas)


These are the very things that helped with my own symptoms of TED:

  • Eating anti-inflammatory foods on a daily basis and selenium rich foods

  • Craniosacral Therapy. If you are in Los Angeles area, I worked with Emma Julaud

  • Acupuncture and Cupping

  • Jaw massages throughout the day and eye exercises such as pen to nose convergence, daily

  • No blue light exposure 30m-1hr before bed and upon waking

  • Wearing blue light blocking glasses whenever I am in front of a screen (phone included) for long periods of time. And taking frequent breaks away from the screen throughout the day; utilize the 20-20-20 rule

  • Sleeping slightly upright, to help decrease eye swelling. Laying flat can encourage swelling or puffiness the next morning

  • If you have inflammation, use eye orbits for 10 minutes, morning and evening. Put them in the fridge to stay cool

  • If you have dry eyes, use a heated eye mask before sleeping and upon waking

  • Wearing an eye ointment at night to keep eyes lubricated and prevent them from drying out overnight. Systane Overnight Lubricant Eye Ointment is my preferred

  • Using (ideally preservative free) eye drops on a consistent basis throughout the day

  • Applying a non toxic eye cream or serum morning and night, to keep the skin around my eyes youthful and tight. Be gentle when applying - always use your ring finger and pat on, never rub

  • When outdoors, allowing my eyes to get a little of sunlight (even for just a few moments) before putting on sunglasses. Our eyes need vitamin D also, which is best absorbed directly