SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 56

WHEREAS, Thyroid eye disease (TED) is a rare, serious, and progressive autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy muscle and fat tissue behind the eye, causing inflammation and scarring; and

WHEREAS, People living with TED often experience debilitating symptoms, which may include eye bulging, double vision, blurred vision, pain, and facial disfigurement; the vision loss caused by TED may get worse over time, and in severe cases, blindness can occur; and

WHEREAS, TED greatly impacts the quality of life of many patients, who may struggle with working, performing daily activities, and coping with the social, psychological, and financial challenges associated with the disease; and

WHEREAS, It is estimated that 16 out of every 100,000 women and nearly 3 out of every 100,000 men will develop TED; although the exact cause of TED is not yet understood, it is known to have a hereditary component, and individuals who have a family member with TED or another autoimmune disease are at greater risk of developing the condition; and

WHEREAS, TED Awareness Week was established through a collaboration among advocacy organizations, including the Autoimmune Association; through this important observance, these organizations are working to educate the public about TED in hopes that more patients have access to early treatment that can prevent eye damage, preserve sight, and help them to better manage this life-altering condition; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby recognize November 14 to 20, 2021, as Thyroid Eye Disease Awareness Week and encourage Texans to learn more about the signs and symptoms of TED.

Buckingham

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on October 8, 2021.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate