![]() ![]() Rarely, orbital swelling may precipitate glaucoma that also affects the optic nerve. When the optic nerve is compromised, progressive and irreversible vision loss occurs. In some patients, eye protrusion makes it difficult for the lids to close properly and the cornea becomes exposed and vulnerable. They can also become stiff (scarred), which interferes with movement of the eyes and causes double vision or impinges upon the optic nerve, causing loss of vision. It is caused by inflammation of the muscles, which causes them to swell. Severe ophthalmopathy will affect 10% of patients. 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. In most patients who develop Graves' ophthalmopathy, the eyes bulge forward or the eyelid retracts to some degree. The latter is due to thickened, inflamed and/or scarred muscles impinging on the optic nerve at the back of the socket. The former is often due to a combination of the eyes bulging forward and scarring resulting in the eyelids retracting backward. In severe cases, the clear covering of the eye (cornea) may ulcerate, or the optic nerve may be damaged, either of which may result in a permanent loss of vision if not treated appropriately. When the immune system attacks the muscles and other ocular tissues in the eye socket, the swelling and scarring resulting from the inflammation causes symptoms and signs noted above. Fortunately, patients almost never go blind from Graves’ eye disease. Restriction of the eye’s normal movements, resulting in double visionĪs symptoms build, many patients fear they will lose their vision.The eye is pushed forward in its socket causing a “staring” appearance.As they tighten and lose their ability to stretch, these symptoms can occur: The muscles around the eye are particularly susceptible to the attack of lymphocytes. Decreased vision, when swollen tissues push on the optic nerve.Pressure-pain or deep headache, which worsens with eye movements.Increased pressure inside the eye socket.Dry eye and irritation, occurring when the eyelids cannot close completely over bulging eyes.In Graves’ eye disease the tissue around the eye is attacked, and the result is inflammation and swelling, causing: Signs and Symptoms of Graves' Eye Disease The two diseases run their separate courses and do not necessarily occur at the same time. That’s why treatment of the thyroid gland, while important, does not improve the eye disease. Thyroid Glands Relation to the EyeĪlthough Graves' disease and Graves' eye disease both stem from the immune system’s attack on healthy tissue, one disease does not directly cause the other. Another tissue that can also be involved in the immune attack of Graves' eye disease is the skin of the shins. Ocular symptoms can range from mild to severe but only 10-20% of patients have sight threatening disease. ![]() This likely occurs because these tissues contain proteins that appear similar to the immune system as those of the thyroid gland. ![]() The eyes are particularly vulnerable to Graves' eye disease, because the autoimmune attack often targets the eye muscles and connective tissue within the eye socket. The hypermetabolic state is characterized by fast pulse/heartbeat, palpitations, profuse sweating, high blood pressure, irritability, fatigue, weight loss, heat intolerance, and loss of hair and alterations in hair quality. When the immune system attacks the tissues around the eyes, it causes the eye muscles or fat to expand. As a result, the thyroid gland enlarges and excess hormones increase metabolism. Graves' eye disease, also known as thyroid eye disease, is an autoimmune condition in which immune cells attack the thyroid gland which responds by secreting an excess amount of thyroid hormone. What Is Graves' Eye Disease or Thyroid Eye Disease? ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |