An estimated one out of every 100 Americans is affected by a condition known as Graves’ disease. Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease that leads to an overactive thyroid, a condition more commonly known as hyperthyroidism.
Those diagnosed with Graves’ disease are also at an increased risk of developing Graves’ ophthalmopathy, also known as thyroid eye disease (TED). In fact, it’s estimated that one out of every four people with Graves’ disease will experience some form of TED. In addition, and according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), TED is five times more common in women but more likely to be more severe in men.
For most, symptoms of TED usually appear within six months of the appearance of symptoms associated with Graves’ disease.
