An autoimmune disorder which is often the underlying cause of hyperthyroidism is called Graves disease. With Graves disease, the immune system creates the antibodies called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs) which tricks the thyroid into growing and creating too much hormone leading to hyperthyroidism. Graves’ disease also creates issues with your eyes, so an eye care specialists should be included in your treatment plan.
The Mayo Clinic states that Graves disease has many symptoms, but one that is extremely noticeable is bulging eyes or Graves ophthalmopathy or Thyroid Eye Disease. However, other eye problems such as pain, red eye, feeling like sand is in the eye, sensitivity to light, tearing, and vision loss can occur.
In severe cases, the eyes can protrude from the eye sockets. This is an inflammatory response in the eye muscles causing the tissues to swell. The swollen eye tissues have no place to go, so they are pushed through the bony parts of the skull causing the eyes to protrude.
When the muscles and tissues swell around the eye, it can cause vision problems. This can include the inability to move the eye, swelling of the eye, and corneal ulceration.
If Graves disease is left untreated, the dryness of the eyes can cause scarring and potential vision loss in one or both eyes. That is why it is important to visit an ophthalmologist who can begin a Graves disease treatment plan.
A Graves disease treatment plan can include lubricants, steroids, eye surgery and radiation. Successful treatment can take anywhere from six months to a year for the treatments to work.
It is important to be vigilant about your eyesight. If you have recently been diagnosed with Graves Disease, be sure to talk to your doctor about a referral to an ophthalmologist who specializes in eye disease.
