Thyroid eye disease (TED) imposes persistent, long-term effects on quality of life and mental health, with many individuals experiencing significant physical and emotional burdens even years after symptom onset, according to results from a study presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) 2025 meeting, held in Orlando, FL, from October 18 to 20, 2025.

As part of the ElevaTED 30-minute online survey, study investigator Jody Abrams, MD, of Viridian Therapeutics, Inc. and team of researchers collected self-reported data from 204 participants with any duration of TED. Respondents were grouped by time since symptom onset: ≤15 months, 16-35 months, and ≥36 months. The questionnaire assessed thyroid eye disease symptoms, daily functioning, emotional well-being, and healthcare communication.

The participants had a mean age of 50 years, and 74% were women. TED duration varied, with 40% having symptoms for ≤15 months, 35% for 16–35 months, and 25% for ≥36 months. Regardless of disease duration, 93% experienced TED symptoms in the prior month, and 77% reported them as moderate-to-severe. Among those with longer disease duration (>15 months), the most frequent symptoms were pressure or pain around the eyes (36%), red or burning eyes (30%), dryness or grittiness (30%), and tearing or watery eyes (29%). The most bothersome symptoms were eye pain/pressure, double vision, and red, swollen, or burning eyes. 

Understanding TED’s long-term impact may improve physician-patient dialogue and multidisciplinary care.

Functionally, more than 30% of these participants felt “seriously limited” in reading, using electronic devices, or doing outdoor activities, while >50% reported anxiety or depression, and 95% worried about symptom recurrence. Notably, 97% wanted to discuss the chronic impact of TED more with their physicians.

“Understanding TED’s long-term impact may improve physician-patient dialogue and multidisciplinary care,” the presenters reported.

Some study authors declared affiliations with biotech, pharmaceutical, and/or device companies. Please see the original reference for a full list of authors’ disclosures.