Graves eye disease is most often observed in those with autoimmune thyroid disease (a condition in which your immune system attacks the body). Although it can also occur without hyperthyroidism, Graves eye disease can affect anyone with normal levels of thyroid hormone.
Signs and symptoms of graves eye disease include red eyes, bulging or swollen eyes, lid retraction, double vision, or tearing. Your doctor may refer you to an ophthalmologist for testing and treatment.
Your doctor will perform a physical examination of your eyes and face. They’ll check the eyelids and muscles in your eyes to see if they’re tight or swollen. Additionally, your doctor may perform a blood test to check your thyroid level.
Thyroid eye disease often worsens over time but can be treated to make you feel better. Over-the-counter and prescription medicines can relieve swollen eyes, dryness, itching, and redness; your ophthalmologist can prescribe steroid eye drops or ointments as well to keep your eyes healthy.
Thyroid eye disease symptoms can evolve over time, so if you notice changes in your eyes and facial features, be sure to inform your doctor. In severe cases, a CT scan or MRI of your orbits may be necessary in order to assess how severe the inflammation is.
When you have an autoimmune disease, your immune system produces antibodies that attack tissues in your body. Unfortunately, some of these antibodies may also target cells and tissues around your eyes.
These attacks cause swelling behind your eyes, pushing them forward and making them swell. Furthermore, these can irritate the nerves in your eyes, leading to pain or blurred color vision.
Most patients with TED have an autoimmune disease that also affects their thyroid gland, leading to hyperthyroidism. If you have both, be sure to see an ophthalmologist and thyroid specialist (endocrinologist).
Treating thyroid eye disease involves managing your thyroid hormone levels. If your thyroid is overactive, an antithyroid medicine such as thyroxine or triiodothyronine may be needed; on the other hand, if it’s underactive, you might require synthetic levothyroxine may help address this issue.
You can manage the symptoms of graves eye disease with regular doctor’s visits, taking over-the-counter and prescription medicines, and making lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking. Some people with thyroid eye disease may require surgery to reduce inflammation and reposition their eyelids.
Orbital decompression, a procedure that removes tissue or bone from the eye socket, can help if your eyes are protruding from your skull. It may also help if your eyelids have been retracted. Other sculpting surgeries may restore the shape and appearance of your eyes as well.
If your family history includes thyroid disease, you may have an increased likelihood of developing a thyroid eye disease, as these autoimmune diseases often run in families.
Smokers who have an autoimmune disease are seven times more likely to develop thyroid eye disease than nonsmokers, and this condition can sometimes result in permanent vision loss if left untreated. Therefore, quitting smoking if you have this condition is highly recommended.
