Graves’ disease

What is Graves’ Disease?

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease in which the thyroid gland is overactive and produces large amounts of hormones. This causes various health problems. Characteristic are a high heart rate and weight loss. In addition to the phenomenon of an overactive thyroid gland, approximately 20% of patients experience eye complaints. Eye symptoms often begin up to six months before or after the diagnosis is made.

The cause is unknown. It is thought to be caused by environmental factors and heredity. It is known that women are diagnosed more often than men.

Being told that vision is affected can turn the world upside down. When the first emotions subside, the knowledge that one is not alone may provide support. There are many people in the same situation, some who have just been diagnosed themselves and some who have been living with it for years.

What are the symptoms of Graves’ Disease?

Symptoms are:

• insomnia and hyperactivity
• shaking hands
• hair loss
• excessive perspiration and intolerances to heat
• weight loss despite increasing appetite
• diarrhea
• palpitations
• weak muscles
• over-anxiety, restlessness, easily irritated and/or emotionally unstable

Symptoms that occur if someone with Graves’ disease also has eye complaints are:

• inflammation of and around the eyes
• swelling of the eyelids
• pain around the eyes
• double vision
• limited vision

What can one expect from Graves’ Disease?

The treatment focuses on treating the thyroid gland. There are three methods to treat this:

• antithyroid medications that slow down the production of hormones
• partial or complete destruction of the thyroid gland by radioactive iodine
• partial or complete removal of the thyroid gland

Various treatments are available for the resulting eye problems, ranging from pain medication to special glasses or surgery. The eye symptoms due to Graves’ disease can last for some time. Once the disease has stopped progressing, corrective surgery can correct certain problems, such as overall comfort, double vision, and even improving the appearance of the eyes.

Discuss the best options with a doctor or specialist.

Learn more about Graves’ Disease

There is extensive information available about Graves’ Disease. This information is intended to inform you about the most important aspects of this eye condition and is not intended to replace the information one receives from the doctor or eye specialist.