67: Why Thyroid Eye Disease Is So Often Missed - The Clear Path From Diagnosis to Real Treatment with Dr. Sean Paul
67: Why Thyroid Eye Disease Is So Often Missed - The Clear Path From Diagnosis to Real Treatment with Dr. Sean Paul  
Podcast: Modern Thyroid and Wellness
Published On: Thu Jan 29 2026
Description: What if the reason thyroid eye disease feels so confusing is because it requires more than one specialist to treat it well?In this episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, host McCall McPherson sits down with Dr. Sean Paul, a board-certified oculoplastic and orbital surgeon based in Austin, Texas, to explore thyroid eye disease (TED) from diagnosis through advanced treatment.Dr. Paul explains what thyroid eye disease really is, why it is often underdiagnosed, and how it impacts both vision and quality of life. The conversation covers medical therapy, biologic treatments like Tepezza (teprotumumab), surgical options, and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. They also discuss emerging trends in aesthetic and reconstructive eye surgery, regenerative skin treatments, and why long-term maintenance and skin health matter just as much as procedures.This episode offers clarity, hope, and practical guidance for anyone struggling with thyroid eye disease, Graves’ disease, or eye changes related to autoimmune thyroid conditions. 👤 About the Guest: Dr. Sean PaulDr. Sean Paul is a fellowship-trained oculoplastic and orbital surgeon and the founder of Austin Face and Body. He completed medical school in San Antonio and trained extensively in ophthalmology and oculoplastic surgery, with early experience in reconstructive eye surgery at Brooke Army Medical Center during Operation Iraqi Freedom.Dr. Paul specializes in thyroid eye disease, orbital inflammation, eyelid reconstruction, and aesthetic facial surgery, blending functional restoration with natural-appearing cosmetic outcomes. His practice focuses on both medical necessity and patient confidence. 🔑 Key Topics CoveredWhat thyroid eye disease is and why it is an autoimmune orbital inflammatory conditionThe connection between TED and Graves’ disease, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidismEarly and subtle symptoms of thyroid eye disease, including dryness, redness, eyelid asymmetry, and double visionWhy thyroid eye disease is frequently underdiagnosedThe difference between active inflammatory disease and “quiet” or chronic diseaseThe emotional and social impact of eye changes in Graves’ diseaseHow oculoplastic and orbital surgeons are trained and what makes them different from general ophthalmologistsMedical treatment options including steroids, radiation, and biologic therapyTepezza (teprotumumab): how it works, how it is administered, and potential side effects including hearing changesSurgical options for thyroid eye disease:Orbital decompression (fat and bone)Strabismus (eye muscle) surgeryEyelid retraction repairTypical recovery timelines and why disease stability matters before surgeryThe role of inflammation control, thyroid antibodies, and IGF-1 receptor pathwaysCosmetic and reconstructive trends in eyelid and facial surgeryWhy “natural” results and long-term maintenance are now the standardThe growing role of regenerative treatments, lasers, and skin health in facial rejuvenation 🧠 Important Medical Clarifications (Fact-Checked)The biologic medication discussed is Tepezza (teprotumumab), not “Topaz”Tepezza targets the IGF-1 receptor, a key pathway involved in thyroid eye disease inflammationTepezza is administered intravenously over a structured infusion scheduleHearing changes are a known side effect and require monitoringOrbital decompression may be urgent if the optic nerve is threatenedSurgery is ideally performed after 3–6 months of disease stability, unless vision is at risk 🌐 Where to Learn MorePractice Website:🌐 https://www.austinfaceandbody.comInstagram:📸 https://www.instagram.com/austinfaceandbody📸 https://www.instagram.com/drseanpaul📍 Locations: Austin, Westlake, Downtown Austin, Round Rock 💻 Virtual consultations available📲 Follow McCall McPherson & Modern Thyroid and Wellness💻 Website: modernthyroidclinic.com🐦 X / Twitter: @thyroidexpert🌐 Host Website: mccallmcpherson.com📺 YouTube: McCall McPherson Channel📘 Facebook: McCall McPherson PAC📸 Instagram: @mccallmcphersonpa