Prevent Blindness has designated November 9 to 15 as its seventh annual Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) Week, featuring new patient stories and educational resources to increase awareness of the condition.

Also known as Graves’ ophthalmopathy or Graves’ eye disease, TED is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation and swelling of tissues surrounding the eyes. Symptoms can include eye pain, bulging eyes, double vision, and difficulty moving or closing the eyelids. Severe cases can affect vision and quality of life.

According to Yale Medicine, TED affects approximately 25% to 50% of people with Graves’ disease.

As part of this year’s observance, Prevent Blindness is introducing a new video series, “Thyroid Eye Disease Patient Stories,” featuring individuals sharing their experiences with TED and Graves’ disease. Participants recorded their stories following a storytelling training program held in Chicago in August. The videos will be shared across the organization’s social media channels during TED Week and are available online.

Prevent Blindness also offers free TED educational materials in English and Spanish, including fact sheets, social media graphics, expert videos, and patient resources. New materials include a Graves’ disease informational flyer and video addressing the condition and its effects on vision.

Additional resources include a November episode of the “Focus on Eye Health Podcast” featuring Sonalika Khachikian, MD, an endocrinologist at Monument Health, discussing Graves’ disease, TED, and related conditions that can affect vision.

Additional information and educational resources are available at Prevent Blindness.