treatment for your eyes when you have graves disease

What are the goals of treatment for Graves disease?

Dec 22, 2021 · Sometimes thyroid treatments help with Graves’ eye disease — but people often need separate treatments for their eye problems. Over-the-counter eye drops. The most common treatment for dry or irritated eyes is a type of eye drops called artificial tears. You can get these without a prescription.

How are eye problems related to Graves' disease treated?

Oct 14, 2021 · Corticosteroids: These medications, such as prednisone, can ease the swelling in your eyes. They may also help with double vision. Corticosteroids dampen your immune system, so you don’t have as...

How to reduce eye swelling from Graves disease?

Apr 08, 2022 · How to Treat Graves’ Eye Disease If you have this condition, treatments are available. However, treatment plans will depend on disease severity and individual cases. Your doctor may prescribe the use of corticosteroid medication, immunosuppressants, radiation therapy, thyroid surgery, or eye surgery.

How do they put Graves' disease into remission?

Apr 21, 2021 · If you have Graves’ Ophthalmopathy, one or more of the following treatments may help soothe your eyes and improve your vision: Apply cool compresses to your eyes. The extra moisture may provide relief. Wear sunglasses. When you have Graves’ eye disease your eyes are more vulnerable to ultraviolet rays and more sensitive to sunlight.

Can you fix your eyes from Graves disease?

They include orbital decompression surgery, eye muscle surgery, and eyelid surgery. If symptoms are affecting vision, surgery may be needed in the active stage. Typically, surgery is delayed until the inactive stage. Surgery can help restore normal shape and function of the eye, eyelid, and area around the eye.Feb 1, 2021

Do eyes go back to normal with Graves disease?

In most patients who develop Graves' ophthalmopathy, the eyes bulge forward or the eyelid retracts to some degree. Many patients with mild to moderate Graves' ophthalmopathy will experience spontaneous improvement over the course of two to three years or will adapt to the abnormality.

How can I improve my thyroid eye?

Here are seven ways to ease the symptoms of thyroid eye disease.Use Lubricating Eye Drops. ... Ask Your Doctor if You Should Try a Selenium Supplement. ... Avoid Secondhand Smoke. ... Elevate Your Head. ... Try Taping. ... Wear Fresnel Prisms. ... Wear Sunglasses.Dec 15, 2020

What helps eye pressure from Graves disease?

How is Graves' ophthalmopathy treated?Eye drops. Use eye drops that don't contain redness removers or preservatives. ... Cool compress. For temporarily relief of irritation, try gently pressing a cool compress on or around your eyes. ... Sunglasses. ... Prescription glasses. ... Extra head support. ... Corticosteroids. ... Avoiding smoke.

Is thyroid eye disease a disability?

There are a variety of thyroid gland disorders than can negatively impact your life, two of which are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. If you have been diagnosed with a thyroid gland disorder, you may qualify for social security disability benefits if your condition is severe enough.

Who treats thyroid eye?

Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) is a rare eye condition. That's why you shouldn't visit just any eye doctor, also called an ophthalmologist. You should see a TED Specialist. They have the experience to diagnose TED and provide you with the care you need.

Is thyroid eye disease treatable?

Thyroid eye disease is a temporary but drawn-out illness which fades away by itself. The inflamed period tends to last months to years (usually about two years), after which there is a healing response. For most people the condition will be mild, needing lubricants and regular assessments only.Feb 26, 2020

What happens if thyroid eye disease goes untreated?

However, if your thyroid eye disease goes untreated, the symptoms could get much worse. One risk of untreated thyroid eye disease is compressive optic neuropathy. This is when inflammation around the optic nerve is severe. The inflammatory substances push down on the optic nerve, which worsens vision.Aug 4, 2021

Does ice help thyroid eye disease?

A cold, wet cloth or towel on your eye area can ease pain and swelling. The moisture soothes puffy eyes while the cool temperature can numb the area. To make your own cool compress, put ice in a sealable plastic bag and fill it halfway with water. Squeeze out the air and close the bag.Oct 14, 2021

What triggers thyroid eye disease?

It occurs when the body's immune system attacks the tissue surrounding the eye causing inflammation in the tissues around and behind the eye. In most patients, the same autoimmune condition that causes TED also affects the thyroid gland, resulting in Graves' disease.Sep 11, 2019

How to treat double vision in eyes?

They may also help with double vision. Corticosteroids dampen your immune system, so you don’t have as much inflammation in your body. You can take them by mouth, or your doctor can inject them into your eye. You can only take them for a few weeks. If you take them for longer than that, you’re likely to have more side effects, which include:

How to treat a swollen eye?

If your symptoms are mild, you may be able to manage them on your own with aids such as: 1 Over-the-counter eye drops (artificial tears) 2 Lubricating gels 3 Cool compresses 4 Keeping your head elevated during sleep 5 Selenium supplements

What is orbital decompression surgery?

Orbital decompression surgery: If you’re in danger of losing your eyesight because of pressure on your optic nerve, your doctor may suggest this surgery. During the procedure, your doctor removes the bone between your eye socket (orbit) and your sinuses (air spaces beside your eye socket). The swollen tissues can fill this area.

How long does the active phase last?

You may have trouble closing your eyelids. You could even have problems with your vision. This phase can last from several months to up to 2 years.

What Does Thyroid Eye Disease Look Like?

This particular ocular disease will have standard clinical features, including:

What Eye Problems Can Graves' Disease Cause?

Graves’ disease is a serious health condition. In many cases, people with this disease can develop Graves’ ophthalmopathy.

How to treat Graves' ophthalmopathy?

Treating Graves' ophthalmopathy. Mild symptoms of Graves' ophthalmopathy may be managed by using over-the-counter artificial tears during the day and lubricating gels at night. If your symptoms are more severe, your doctor may recommend: Corticosteroids.

How to diagnose Graves disease?

To diagnose Graves' disease, your doctor may conduct a physical exam and check for signs and symptoms of Graves' disease. He or she may also discuss your medical and family history. Your doctor may also order tests including: Blood tests. Blood tests can help your doctor determine your levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) ...

What is the blood test for Graves disease?

People with Graves' disease usually have lower than normal levels of TSH and higher levels of thyroid hormones.

What tests are needed for Graves disease?

Imaging tests. If the diagnosis of Graves' disease isn't clear from a clinical assessment, your doctor may order special imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI.

Is methimazole a thyroid medication?

Because the risk of liver disease is more common with propylthiouracil, methimazole is considered the first choice when doctors prescribe medication. However, propylthiouracil is the preferred anti- thyroid drug during the first trimester of pregnancy, as methimazole has a slight risk of birth defects.

What is the procedure to remove the thyroid gland?

Surgery to remove all or part of your thyroid (thyroidectomy or subtotal thyroidectomy) also is an option for the treatment of Graves' disease. After the surgery, you'll likely need treatment to supply your body with normal amounts of thyroid hormones.

What to do for redness on legs?

In addition, using compression wraps on your legs may help.

What are the symptoms of Graves' eye disease?

Symptoms of Graves’ eye disease include: Feeling of irritation or grittiness in the eyes, redness or inflammation of the conjunctiva (the white part of the eyeball), excessive tearing or dry eyes, swelling of the eyelids, sensitivity to light, ...

How to diagnose Graves' disease?

If you have already been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, a doctor may diagnose Graves’ eye disease by examining your eyes and finding swelling and enlargement of the eye muscles. A computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the eye muscles may be helpful. Graves’ disease usually is associated with other symptoms ...

What is Graves disease?

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease caused by antibodies directed against receptors present in the thyroid cells and also on the surface of the cells behind the eyes. Rarely can also affect the skin, usually the front part of the legs. This usually results in a generalized over activity of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism).

How long does it take for eye symptoms to show after Graves disease?

Eye symptoms most often begin within 6 months of diagnosis of Graves’ disease. Very rarely eye problems may develop long after the thyroid disease has been treated. In some patients with eye symptoms, hyperthyroidism never develops and, rarely, patients may be hypothyroid. The severity of the eye symptoms is not related to the severity ...

What is the role of the thyroid gland?

The thyroid’s job is to make thyroid hormones, which are secreted into the blood and then carried to every tissue in the body. Thyroid hormone helps the body use energy, stay warm and keep the brain, heart, muscles, and other organs working as they should.

Can Graves disease be prevented?

Graves’ disease and usually the associated eye disease cannot be prevented. However, radioiodine therapy used to treat hyperthyroidism is more likely to worsen the eye disease and should be avoided, if possible in patients with moderate or severe eye disease. Treatment with antithyroid drugs or surgery does not affect the course of eye disease.

How to stop eyelids from drying out?

Eyedrops, like artificial tears, may help relieve dryness and scratchiness. Be sure to use eyedrops that do not contain redness removers. A lubricating gel can be used before bed to prevent the cornea from drying out because your eyelids may not cover the entire eye when sleeping. Elevate the head of your bed.

How do you know if you have Graves disease?

If you have hyperthyroidism due to Graves’ disease, be on the lookout for symptoms like eye redness, bulging eyes, double vision, light sensitivity, dry eyes, eye pain and pressure, decreased vision, swollen or retracted eyelids, or feeling like there’s something stuck in your eye. If you notice any of these signs, ...

How to treat thyroid eye disease?

It’s important to see your doctor to treat thyroid eye disease, but there are additional things you can try at home to soothe your symptoms, including: 1 Use cool compresses and lubricating drops or ointments, preferably without preservatives or “redness remover” ingredients, to manage dry and irritated eyes. 2 Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from light and wind. 3 Limit your sodium intake and sleep with your head elevated to help with swelling around your eyes. 4 Try over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen if you are experiencing eye pain. 5 If you smoke, talk to your doctor about quitting. Studies show smoking can worsen the symptoms of Graves’ disease and thyroid eye disease.

How long does a syringe last?

You should be closely monitored during the active phase, which can last from 6 months to 2 years. During this time, treatment focuses on managing your symptoms and relieving inflammation in order to stabilize the progression of the disease. Your doctor may suggest:

Can Graves disease be treated?

Treating your underlying Graves’ disease doesn’t always completely resolve thyroid eye disease, so you’ll work with your doctor to decide upon the right treatment to relieve eye symptoms. There are usually two phases of thyroid eye disease: active and stable. You should be closely monitored during the active phase, ...

Can steroids cause eye problems?

Steroids can reduce inflammation and the uncomfortable symptoms associated with thyroid eye disease. They are generally used for short-term periods due to side effects like mood swings, difficulty sleeping, increased appetite, weight gain, muscle weakness, and others.

Can Graves disease cause double vision?

An operation may be performed to reposition or lengthen your eyelids. Strabismus correction: Graves’ disease can cause scar tissue to develop in your eye muscles, resulting in crossed eyes, loss of motility, and double vision. Surgery to modify the affected eye muscles can be used to correct this.

Does smoking cause Graves' disease?

Studies show smoking can worsen the symptoms of Graves’ disease and thyroid eye disease. Thyroid eye disease can be uncomfortable, but it can be managed with the right tools. If you have Graves’ disease and begin to develop new or worsening eye symptoms, be sure to let your doctor know so you can get started on the right treatment.

See your eye doctor for an exam

Regular eye exams are important for your eye health and because eye exams can reveal health problems like Graves’ eye disease. In some cases, your eye doctor may be the first health care provider to spot signs of Graves’ disease.

Notes and References

Graves’ disease. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. September 2017.

What is Graves disease?

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes your thyroid gland to produce more hormones than it should. Overactive thyroid is called hyperthyroidism. Among the potential symptoms of Graves’ disease are irregular heartbeat, weight loss, and an enlarged thyroid gland ( goiter ). Sometimes, the immune system attacks tissues ...

What are the risk factors for Graves disease?

Risk factors for GO include: genetic influences. smoking. iodine therapy for hyperthyroidism. You can develop Graves’ disease at any age, but most people are between the ages of 30 and 60 at diagnosis. Graves’ disease affects about 3 percent of women and 0.5 percent of men. Graves’ disease. (2017).

How to treat dry eye?

There are quite a few things you can do on your own to ease symptoms, such as: 1 Eye drops to lubricate and relieve dry, irritated eyes. Use eye drops that don’t contain redness removers or preservatives. Lubricating gels can also be helpful at bedtime if your eyelids don’t close all the way. Ask your doctor which products are most likely to help without irritating your eyes further. 2 Cool compress to temporarily relieve irritation. This may be especially soothing just before you go to bed or when you first get up in the morning. 3 Sunglasses to help protect against light sensitivity. Glasses can also protect you from wind or breezes from fans, direct heat, and air conditioning. Wraparound glasses may be more helpful outdoors. 4 Prescription glasses with prisms may help correct double vision. They don’t work for everyone, though. 5 Sleep with your head raised to reduce swelling and relieve pressure on the eyes. 6 Corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone or prednisone can help reduce swelling. Ask your doctor if you should be using corticosteroids. 7 Don’t smoke, as smoking can make matters worse. If you smoke, ask your doctor about smoking cessation programs. You should also try to avoid second-hand smoke, dust, and other things that can irritate your eyes.

Why do my eyes bulge out?

Sometimes, the immune system attacks tissues and muscles around the eyes. This is a condition called thyroid eye disease or Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO). Inflammation causes the eyes to feel gritty, dry, and irritated. This condition can also make your eyes appear to bulge out. Graves’ eye disease affects between 25 and 50 percent ...

What to do when you have dry eyes?

There are quite a few things you can do on your own to ease symptoms, such as: Eye drops to lubricate and relieve dry, irritated eyes. Use eye drops that don’t contain redness removers or preservatives.

How long does Graves' disease last?

There’s a period of active inflammation in which symptoms worsen. This can last up to six months or so. Then there’s an inactive phase in which symptoms stabilize or start to improve.

Can you prevent Graves disease?

There’s no way to completely prevent Graves’ disease or Graves’ eye disease. But if you have Graves’ disease and smoke, you’re 5 times more likely to develop eye disease than non-smokers. Draman MS, et al. (2017). TEAMeD-5: Improving outcomes in thyroid eye disease.

Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

• If you have Graves' disease, make your mental and physical well-being a priority: 1. Eating well and exercisingcan enhance the improvement in some symptoms during treatment and help you feel better in general. For example, because your thyroid controls your metabolism, you may have a tendency to gain weight when the hyperthyroidism is corrected. Br...

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