18 Jun Graves’ Eye Disease
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease that leads to hyperthyroidism, but it can also specifically affect the eyes. If you have Graves’ eye disease, also known as Graves’ ophthalmopathy or Graves’ orbitopathy, it’s critical to have the best in care. That is precisely what board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon Dr. Schiedler at Oasis Eye Face and Skin provides. Graves’ disease happens when a person’s own immune system attacks the thyroid, and this causes an excess of thyroid hormones to be released in the body.
With Graves’ eye disease, the same autoimmune attack is taking place, but the antibodies are attacking receptors in the thyroid cells and on the cell surface directly behind the eyes. About 50 percent of Graves’ disease patients also have eye symptoms. Fortunately, these symptoms are treatable, and help is available to Graves’ eye disease patients in Medford.
Most people diagnosed with Graves’ disease notice eye issues in the first six months of diagnosis. Eye problems usually occur nearly in tandem with Graves’ disease diagnosis, and it is rare that eye issues persist after Graves’ disease has been effectively treated. For patient comfort, it is usually a good idea to treat eye issues at the same time that Graves’ disease is being treated.
Common symptoms of Graves’ eye disease include the feeling of having sand in the eyes, redness or inflammation of the whites of the eyes, eyes that are excessively dry or tearful, swollen eyelids, a slight bulging of the eyes, and sensitivity to light. The severity of eye issues does not necessarily correlate to the severity of Graves’ disease. In severe and untreated cases, Graves’ eye disease can lead to decreased eye movement, partial or complete cornea ulcers causing eye closure, and in very rare cases loss of vision.
Contact Oasis Eye Face and Skin Today!
Treatment of Graves’ eye disease is customized for each patient. Dr. Schiedler will work with the endocrinologist who is treating your Graves’ disease to formulate the best approach. To schedule a consultation and treat the eye-related aspect of Graves’ disease, contact Dr. Schiedler at Oasis Eye Face and Skin in Ashland today.18