In a shocking revelation from Singapore, a 62-year-old palliative nurse, Madam Goh Sock Cheng, recently shared her harrowing experience with Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), a rare and debilitating autoimmune condition that can dramatically alter one's vision. Inspired by her story, let’s delve into the intricacies of this lesser-known affliction that can lead to serious complications!

Madam Goh began experiencing unsettling symptoms in September 2022, finding her vision distorted to a confusing two-dimensional perception. "I felt like I had forgotten what 3D actually looked like," she recalled, describing how she struggled in vibrant settings like shopping malls, where bright lights made her vision even more chaotic. Sometimes, she had to rely on just one eye to navigate safely, highlighting the fear and confusion that accompanied her condition.

Thyroid Eye Disease, characterized by inflammation of the muscles and fat behind the eyes, causes them to bulge and can lead to significant vision problems including double vision or even blindness in the most severe cases. This alarming condition affects around 19 per 100,000 people worldwide, with Singapore reporting a prevalence rate of 1 to 2 percent within the population, translating to an annual incidence of roughly 30 to 50 cases per 100,000.

Interestingly, around 30% of TED patients do not exhibit thyroid dysfunction. This often leads to misdiagnosis as conditions like allergic conjunctivitis or dry eyes, with Asians being less likely to display the outward signs typically associated with TED due to skin pigmentation variations.

Early detection is crucial. In milder cases, TED can be managed with artificial tears to ease dryness. However, late presentations of the disease may require surgical interventions such as orbital decompression, strabismus surgery to correct eye alignment, and eyelid surgeries to restore both appearance and function.

Madam Goh’s journey took a turn for the worse when she found it hard even to perform simple tasks like lighting a candle, prompting her to seek medical help. Diagnosed with TED, she proceeded to have two corrective surgeries in August 2023. In a moment of sheer relief, she exclaimed how wonderful it was to finally see depth in her surroundings post-surgery—a sensation she had missed for far too long.

Contrasting her experience, 66-year-old Yeow Ming Kon faced a different manifestation of TED. While he lacked the recognizable bulging eyes, he experienced severe pain, swelling, and a drastic change in his appearance. "I felt like there was sand constantly in my eyes," Yeow lamented. His symptoms caused him to lose a staggering 31 kg in under a month, leading his friends to urge him to seek medical attention urgently.

After extensive tests, Yeow learned he had TED but was nearly blind by the time he was referred to a specialist like Adjunct Associate Professor Gangadhara Sundar. He subsequently underwent seven surgeries to address both his TED and other serious health concerns, including pancreatitis. Though the impact of the disease on his life and career was profound—forcing him to close his business and adjust his passions—Yeow remains optimistic and appreciates the medical team that guided him through this trial.

The experiences of Madam Goh and Mr. Yeow highlight not only the devastating effects of Thyroid Eye Disease but also the urgent need for awareness, early detection, and proper treatment. If you or someone you know is experiencing unusual changes in vision, don’t wait for it to escalate—consult a healthcare professional today!

Thyroid Eye Disease can mask its true identity, but with knowledge, we can shine a light on this hidden hazard and take control of our eye health!