Research shows that Thyroid Eye Disease affects roughly 16 out of every 100,000 women and 2.9 out of every 100,000 men each year, most often in people with overactive thyroid conditions like Graves’ disease. The inflammation behind the eyes can cause pain, double vision, and noticeable swelling, symptoms that often require advanced care.
At Suite Life Health and Wellness, we offer Tepezza infusion therapy, a targeted thyroid eye treatment that helps reduce inflammation and restore comfort. Our experienced infusion team provides personalized care at our convenient centers in Fall River, Stoughton, Weymouth, and Warwick, serving patients across Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Keep reading to learn how infusion therapy works, who it helps most, and what to expect when considering this treatment for thyroid eye disease.
Understanding the Stages of Thyroid Eye Disease
Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), also known as Graves’ ophthalmopathy, develops when the immune system mistakenly attacks the soft tissue and muscles around the eyes. This causes inflammation, swelling, and, over time, visible changes in eye appearance and movement.
Symptoms often include:
- Bulging or protruding eyes (proptosis)
- Eye pain or pressure
- Swelling and redness around the eyelids
- Double vision or blurred vision
- Light sensitivity and dryness
The condition progresses through two main stages of thyroid eye disease, each requiring different management strategies:
- Active (Inflammatory) Stage: This is when inflammation is most active. The eyes may feel painful, red, or swollen, and symptoms can change quickly.
- Inactive (Chronic) Stage: The inflammation slows down, but structural changes, such as persistent eye bulging or double vision, may remain.
Infusion therapy, particularly Tepezza infusion, is most effective during the active stage, when inflammation is still reversible. Early treatment can help prevent long-term tissue damage and restore comfort.
What Is Infusion Therapy for Thyroid Eye Disease?
Infusion therapy delivers medication directly into the bloodstream through an IV line. This method allows the treatment to work faster and more effectively than oral medications. For thyroid eye disease, the most common infusion medication is Tepezza (teprotumumab), the first and only FDA-approved drug specifically developed for this condition.
How Tepezza Works:
Tepezza targets the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R), a protein that contributes to inflammation and tissue swelling behind the eyes. By blocking this pathway, Tepezza helps:
- Reduce swelling and pressure in the eye tissues
- Improve eye movement and double vision
- Decrease eye bulging
- Relieve discomfort and improve overall appearance
Tepezza infusions are typically given every three weeks for a total of eight sessions, and each treatment is monitored by trained medical professionals for safety and comfort.
Symptoms and Severity Levels That Qualify for Infusion Therapy
Not every case of thyroid eye disease requires infusion therapy. The treatment is most suitable for patients who experience moderate to severe symptoms that significantly affect vision, comfort, or daily function.
You may be a good candidate for Tepezza infusion therapy if you have:
- Noticeable eye bulging or swelling
- Persistent double vision or visual changes
- Pain, tightness, or pressure behind the eyes
- Difficulty closing your eyes completely
- Active inflammation that hasn’t improved with standard treatments like corticosteroids
Mild cases can often be managed with lifestyle adjustments, lubricating eye drops, and observation. However, when symptoms begin to interfere with daily life or threaten long-term vision, infusion therapy becomes an important next step.
How Specialists Evaluate Candidates for Infusion Therapy
Before starting infusion therapy, patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation to confirm that the treatment is both safe and effective for their needs. This process includes:
- Clinical Eye Examination: Ophthalmologists assess eye movement, swelling, and alignment to determine disease activity.
- Imaging Tests: CT or MRI scans help evaluate inflammation and tissue changes behind the eyes.
- Thyroid Function Testing: Blood work identifies thyroid hormone levels and helps ensure overall stability.
- Health Review: Your care team reviews your medical history, medications, and overall health to ensure you’re a safe candidate for infusion therapy.
At Suite Life Health and Wellness, we coordinate closely with your endocrinologist and ophthalmologist to create a seamless care plan tailored to your condition.
Why Infusion Therapy Is Ideal for Moderate to Severe Thyroid Eye Disease
Tepezza infusion therapy offers several advantages over traditional treatment options, particularly for patients in the active stage of the disease.
- Targeted Treatment: Instead of broadly suppressing the immune system, Tepezza specifically targets the inflammatory pathway causing TED.
- Non-Surgical and Minimally Invasive: No incisions or hospital stays are required—just regular outpatient sessions in a comfortable infusion setting.
- Improves Both Function and Appearance: Many patients experience noticeable improvement in eye movement, swelling, and overall facial symmetry.
- Long-Term Relief: By controlling inflammation early, infusion therapy can reduce the likelihood of needing future surgical interventions.
For those struggling with persistent symptoms, infusion therapy provides an effective, evidence-based path toward lasting relief.
The Benefits of Infusion Therapy for Long-Term Symptom Management
The goal of infusion therapy is not only to reduce inflammation but also to improve quality of life. Many patients report better vision, less discomfort, and increased confidence after completing their infusion sessions.
Key benefits include:
- Sustained symptom control between treatments
- Enhanced comfort for daily activities
- Reduced risk of recurrence as inflammation is managed early
- Comprehensive care delivered in a relaxing environment
At Suite Life Health and Wellness, every treatment is performed in a private infusion suite, allowing patients to rest comfortably while receiving care under the supervision of trained infusion specialists.
How to Discuss Treatment Options with Your Healthcare Provider
If you suspect you may benefit from infusion therapy, start by discussing your symptoms with your endocrinologist or eye specialist. They can help determine your disease stage and refer you for evaluation at an infusion center like Suite Life Health and Wellness.
During your consultation, be prepared to discuss:
- Your current symptoms and their progression
- Any previous thyroid eye disease treatments
- Your overall health and other medications
Our infusion team will handle the rest, from verifying insurance and obtaining prior authorization to scheduling your first treatment session.
Your Vision and Comfort Deserve Expert Care
Thyroid eye disease can affect how you look and how you feel, but with the right treatment, recovery is possible. Tepezza infusion therapy targets inflammation at its source, helping restore eye comfort and confidence. At Suite Life Health and Wellness, we provide advanced infusion therapy in a calm, patient-focused environment across Fall River, Stoughton, Weymouth, Massachusetts, and Warwick, Rhode Island. Every treatment is guided by skilled infusion specialists who make your comfort their priority.
Ready to feel like yourself again? Call (508) 567-5666 or schedule your appointment online to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can infusion therapy stop thyroid eye disease completely?
While infusion therapy cannot cure the underlying autoimmune condition, it significantly reduces inflammation and helps prevent permanent eye damage.
What happens if I’m not a candidate for infusion therapy?
Your doctor may recommend other thyroid eye treatments, such as medications, radiation therapy, or surgery, depending on your condition’s severity.
Can infusion therapy help in the chronic stage of thyroid eye disease?
It’s most effective in the active stage but may still provide benefits for certain patients in the chronic phase, depending on residual inflammation.
How soon can I expect to see improvement?
Many patients begin noticing symptom relief after a few infusions, though individual results vary.
How do I get started at Suite Life Health and Wellness?
Your provider can send us a referral. Once received, our team will verify insurance, schedule your first appointment, and guide you through every step.
