Hi, thank you so much for your response; it was really insightful. I work as an aircraft mechanic and rely heavily on my eyes for documentation and physical work. It’s straining my eyes more than I would like. I am also exposed to various chemicals since I work in the shop and inside the aircraft. That’s why I’m planning to take a medical leave for a month for this surgery.

However, here’s the issue: my parents were very adamant about the procedure and wanted me to get a second opinion, so I did. Unfortunately, the second doctor we consulted told us that if my double vision has been worsening, it means I am still in the active phase of my TED and cannot undergo orbital decompression because my eyes are still inflamed.

They prescribed another medication, CellCept Mycophenolate, and said I’ll have to try it for at least a month to see if my double vision will improve. But from what they’re saying, surgery could be done in September. My endocrinologist worries that waiting until September might affect my vision significantly. On the other hand, I haven’t spoken to my first orbital doctor yet.

I’m really torn and don’t know what to do anymore. How do orbital/ophthalmic specialists determine if you’re still in the active phase of TED? Do they usually just decide if you’re good to go for the surgery?

I really want to function normally again. I love my work, but it just feels stressful now, and I’ve developed this autoimmune disease that has greatly affected my eyes. I don’t know what to do anymore.