​What causes thyroid eye disease?
Thyroid eye disease is more common in women. Although often associated with hyperthyroidism, it may occur in patients with normal or low thyroid hormone levels.

Although the exact cause is unclear, what is known is that the body produces antibodies against its own tissues in the orbit.

This sets off a series of biochemical events that lead to swelling of the orbital soft tissues, specifically the eye muscles and orbital fat.