Smoking with Thyroid Eye Disease: Why you should quit

If you have thyroid eye disease (TED), giving up smoking and vaping is one of the most important things you can do to protect your eyesight and improve your overall health. TED is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the tissues around the eyes. This can cause swelling, irritation, and — in more serious cases — long-term damage to your vision.

Many people don’t realise that smoking, and even vaping, can make TED much worse. Understanding how smoking affects the eyes may help you take that first step towards quitting.

🚬 Smoking Makes Thyroid Eye Disease Worse

Research has shown that people who smoke are more likely to develop severe TED symptoms, and their disease often progresses more quickly.

Smoking can:

  • Increase inflammation in the tissues behind the eyes.
  • Worsen symptoms such as bulging eyes (proptosis), double vision, eye pressure, and discomfort.
  • Reduce the effectiveness of treatments, including steroids, biologic medicines, and even surgery.
  • Slow down healing, which may affect recovery from flare-ups or operations.
  • Raise the risk of complications, including permanent damage to your eyesight.

Even passive smoke (from being around others who smoke) can potentially worsen TED symptoms.

🚭 What About Vaping?

It’s a common myth that vaping is a safe alternative to smoking — but when it comes to TED, this isn’t the case.

Vaping can still:

  • Expose you to nicotine, which:
    • Narrows blood vessels and reduces oxygen supply to your eye tissues.
    • Triggers inflammation and worsens your immune response.
    • Slows healing and tissue repair.
  • Contain chemicals and flavourings that may irritate the eyes and lungs, contributing to inflammation.
  • Carry similar risks for TED progression as traditional smoking, especially when used frequently.

So while vaping may be promoted as a “healthier” option, it is not safe if you have thyroid eye disease.

🌟 The Benefits of Quitting

Stopping smoking and vaping brings benefits quickly — and these can make a real difference to your eye health:

  • Reduces inflammation and may help slow down or stop TED from getting worse.
  • Improves your response to treatment, whether that’s medication or surgery.
  • Helps protect your vision, reducing the chance of permanent eye damage.
  • Boosts your general health, improving circulation, breathing, and thyroid function.

You may also find that you sleep better, have more energy, and feel more in control of your health after quitting.

💡 Support to Help You Quit

You don’t have to do it alone — there’s lots of help available:

  • Talk to your GP or pharmacist about nicotine replacement therapy (like patches, gum, or lozenges), or prescription medications that can help reduce cravings.
  • Use free services such as:
  • Join support groups or online communities for encouragement and advice.
  • Download apps that track your progress and help you stay motivated.

✅ Take Home Message

Whether you smoke or vape, stopping nicotine use is a key part of managing thyroid eye disease. It helps your eyes, supports your treatment, and protects your vision — now and in the future. It’s never too late to quit, and even small steps can lead to big improvements in your health.

About TEDct

TEDct exists to improve the lives of those with thyroid eye disease by developing a supportive community of patients and professionals.

If you are a TED sufferer looking to connect with other people facing similar experiences with TED, consider joining our private Facebook group, Thyroid Eye Disease Support UK. It’s a great space for sharing support and insights with fellow TED warriors.

Become a Member: TEDct membership includes many benefits and is FREE for everyone.