Thyroid eye diseaseis a condition that affects the muscles and tissues of the eyes.

The condition happens when you have an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) caused byGraves disease.

To diagnose thyroid eye disease, you may need a physical exam, lab tests, and imaging tests.

woman at eye doctor

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You have to see a healthcare professional who can do clinical tests to receive an accurate diagnosis.

Your healthcare provider will do a thorough physical examination.

After the initial exam, your primary care physician may recommend seeing a specialist for more testing.

It can show how far forward your eyes have moved because of thyroid eye disease.

However, you may not need these tests if you know that you have Graves' disease.

Your healthcare provider will do multiple tests to confirm your condition.

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Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about the diagnosis process.

Usually, you will need several tests to figure out if you have thyroid eye disease.

The process may take less time if you already have a Graves' disease diagnosis.

It is important to stay patient throughout the diagnosis process.

You may need to see specialists, which can take time.

Reach out to friends and family for support so they can help while you wait.

You should feel comfortable asking your healthcare providers questions and getting the care you need.

National Organization for Rare Disorders.Thyroid eye disease.

American Academy of Ophthalmology.What is Graves disease?

National Institutes of Health: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Graves' disease.