An ophthalmologist should be seen to verify that it is thyroid eye disease.
Other health conditions can cause protrusion of the eyes. Lack of V-B or being very deficient in V-B can cause protrusion of the eyes.
TED is NOT caused by the thyroid disease, or by RAI, or by any other element of treatment for Graves' thyroid disease.
Thyroid Eye Disease is an autoimmune eye condition that is separate from thyroid disease. The condition, however, is seen in people with no other evidence of thyroid dysfunction, and occasionally in patients who have Hashimoto's Disease.
Eye disease different antibodies attack the muscles associated with eye and eyelid movement. Although the thyroid gland and the eye may be under attack by the same immune system, it is felt that both conditions remain independent of one another. The antibodies that attack the eye can cause inflammation and swelling of the muscles around the eye, which is what can eventually cause protrusion of the eyes, double vision and retraction of the eyelids.
Stopping smoking is very important.
ANY stressful situation triggers immune responses. When there is autoimmune diseases it means that symptoms of those diseases are likely to spike at this time because the immune responses "rev up" all the antibodies, even the ones causing our disease. It is critical to learn how to control our stress response and to stay as calm as possible. That is the best way to alleviate autoimmune symptoms overall.
It is possible to have Graves Eye Disease without having thyroid problems. There are many documented cases where people have only had the eye problems and never had the thyroid version of Graves Disease.
In addition to protruding eyes, other symptoms of GED are lid retraction (where the upper and/or lower lids pull back, leaving the eye exposed to the elements), pressure behind the eyes, a gritty feeling, constant tearing, and light sensitivity. If you don't have any of these other issues, then you may be lucky enough to not have Graves Eye disease (something I am certain I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy). There are blood tests that can test for the antibodies that cause Graves Eye Disease. Perhaps at some point, you will be able to be tested to know for certain one way or the other. Should you get the opportunity, try seeing an Ophthalmologist who specializes in Graves (usually an ophthalmic plastic surgeon). If your condition worsens and you have a teaching hospital near you, you might try to find out if they have any sort of clinic that will be able to help you.
Good luck. I wish you an answer to your uncertainty.