Graves Eye Disease
Graves eye disease is a disease caused by a thyroid condition that affects the eye. There are several symptoms of Graves eye disease. If you notice any of these symptoms, you may need to consult a physician. Medical treatment is typically adequate in the early stages of this disease. However, in some rare cases, the disease is so severe that surgical intervention is necessary to relieve pressure on the eye and protect the optic nerve. In these cases, minimally invasive or endoscopic surgery may be used.
What are the first signs of thyroid eye disease?
Thyroid eye disease can cause a range of symptoms including a bulging eye, double vision, eyelid problems, and eye irritation. It can be treated with lubrication, anti-inflammatory drugs, and prisms to relieve double vision. If left untreated, thyroid eye disease can result in corneal scarring. Surgery to treat this condition is not recommended because it can result in vision loss.
The first signs of thyroid eye disease are grittiness and watering of the eye, which can be accompanied by redness and swelling. The eyelids may also swell or appear uneven, making them seem to sit back on the eyeball. In severe cases, the eyelids may also become retracted, causing the eyes to be prominent.
What are the symptoms of Graves eye disease?
Graves eye disease is a condition in which the immune system attacks the body’s own cells, including the eyes. It is a complex disease with many different symptoms. Fortunately, it is treatable. Treatment options include surgery, medication, and home remedies. In most cases, symptoms of Graves eye disease will stabilize or improve after six months. In rare cases, blindness can occur, but this is not a common complication.
The symptoms of Graves eye disease can be reduced with the use of artificial tears, sunglasses, and cool compresses. Patients should also elevate their heads while sleeping to reduce swelling of the eyelids. Treatment can also include prism glasses or surgery to remove the muscles that cause the eyelids to swell. While radiation is generally not a first-line treatment for Graves eye disease, it is also an option for some patients. Supplements containing selenium can also be helpful in reducing the symptoms of Graves eye disease.
Can Graves eye disease be cured?
While there is no specific cure for Graves’ disease, there are some treatments that are effective for reducing its symptoms. In addition to taking corticosteroids, patients can try surgery to reposition eye muscles. Surgery can help reduce eyelid swelling and dryness, but patients should keep in mind that a remission is not permanent.
In a recent study, researchers investigated the effect of taking selenium on the ocular symptoms of Graves’ hyperthyroidism. They found that participants taking 100 micrograms of selenium twice a day for six months showed an improvement in symptoms. Though the treatment did not improve the symptoms as quickly as placebo therapy, the participants reported a significant improvement in their quality of life.
Because Graves eye disease is an autoimmune disorder, it can affect the person’s mental state as well as physical health. Getting counseling is important in helping patients cope with the emotional side effects of this disorder. Symptoms include dry, irritated eyes, bulging eyes, and blurred vision.
What triggers thyroid eye disease?
Thyroid eye disease is caused by a malfunction in the adaptive immune system, which protects the body from foreign materials. It produces specialized proteins called antibodies that react with foreign substances in the body. They can either directly destroy microorganisms or coat them and kill them. White blood cells also play a role in the destruction of these microorganisms. Specific antibodies are produced in response to a particular substance, called an antigen.
The symptoms of thyroid eye disease can include wide open eyes, difficulty closing eyelids, and increased sensitivity to light and UV rays. This can cause the cornea to become exposed, causing tearing, irritation, and even ulcers. Eyelid surgery is one way to decrease the amount of corneal exposure.
