Demographics, Initial Clinical Presentation, and Diagnostic Practices of Thyroid Eye Disease: Insights From a Pilot Survey of Oculoplastic Surgeons

Purpose Thyroid eye disease (TED) is the most common orbital disorder in adults. Its initial clinical manifestations are heterogeneous and may influence early diagnosis and management. However, limited data exist on real‐world perspectives from oculoplastic surgeons who frequently manage patients with TED. To investigate the demographics of oculoplastic surgeons and their observations regarding the initial clinical presentation and diagnostic approaches of TED in daily practice. Methods A questionnaire survey collected data on practice characteristics, experience, TED case load, and common initial presentations. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the findings. Results A total of 17 oculoplastic surgeons completed the survey. Respondents represented diverse geographic regions and practice settings, with varied years of subspecialty experience. The most frequently reported reasons for visit were proptosis, eyelid retraction, and diplopia, while common signs included eyelid retraction, proptosis, and eyelid swelling. Most surgeons noted that TED typically presented bilaterally. Clinical examination was the primary diagnostic tool for most surgeons, with imaging used selectively, and laboratory evaluation was incorporated routinely. Conclusion This pilot survey provides preliminary insights into the demographics, clinical presentation, and diagnostic practices of oculoplastic surgeons managing TED. While limited by its small sample size, the study highlights both consistencies and regional differences in TED presentations. These findings underscore the need for larger, multicenter surveys to guide early diagnosis and management strategies.