Graves Ophthalmopathy, Thyroid Ophthalmopathy Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

Graves Ophthalmopathy (Thyroid Ophthalmopathy, Endocrine Ophthalmopathy) also referred as Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) is a disease of the organs of vision caused by a more general pathology of the endocrine system, namely autoimmune thyroiditis. However, the severity of ophthalmic symptoms may not correspond to the severity of generalized endocrine disorders - in about 5% of cases there are no specific symptoms from the thyroid gland at all. Such cases are called euthyroid Graves' disease and fall into the sphere of attention, first of all, of ophthalmologists. The prevailing statistical proportion of Graves Ophthalmopathy (95%) is detected in combination with diffuse toxic goiter. In the vast majority of cases (about 90%), both eyes are affected. The incidence reaches 2% among the adult and elderly (over 40 years old) part of the population, and in women, Graves Ophthalmopathy occurs up to 8 times more often.

Graves Ophthalmopathy, Thyroid Ophthalmopathy Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

Why Is Graves Disease Called

Thyroid hormones are responsible for controlling the pace of your metabolism (metabolic rate), which is the mechanism by which your body converts the food you eat into energy. The disease was named after Robert Graves, an Irish doctor who originally reported it in the 1800s.

What Causes Graves Ophthalmopathy

Graves ophthalmology, also known as thyroid ophthalmopathy or thyroid eye disease, is a condition that typically affects people with hyperthyroidism or a history of hyperthyroidism as a result of Graves disease. However, it can also occasionally affect people with euthyroid or hypothyroid chronic autoimmune thyroiditis.

As with many other autoimmune diseases, the etiopathogenesis of endocrine ophthalmopathy is not entirely clear and needs additional research, primarily at the genetic level. However, in the development of Graves ophthalmopathy, the statistical significance of some factors (in addition to gender and age) that can play a triggering or provoking role has been established:

• Acute Respiratory Viral Infections (ARVI)
• Chronic Non-Thyroid Endocrine Pathology (in particular, diabetes mellitus);
• Intoxication With Certain Chemical Compounds;
• Frequent Stress Or Permanent Stressful Situations;
• Radiation Damage In Small Doses;
• Smoking.

Is Graves Ophthalmopathy The Same As Thyroid Eye Disease

Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) Is Also Referred To As Graves Orbitopathy, Graves Ophthalmopathy, Graves Eye Disease, Thyroid Orbitopathy, or Thyroid Ophthalmopathy.

What Are the Symptoms of Graves Ophthalmopathy

The first manifestations, as a rule, are sensations of a foreign body or sand in the eyes, irritation, drying out or mechanical pressure, as well as painful sensitivity to light. Then edema develops, retraction of the eyelids (loose fit), their hyperemia (redness, rush of blood), soreness with certain or any movements of the eyeballs. A specific symptom is exophthalmos (bulging eyes); its optional, optional consequences may be atrophy of the optic nerves due to increased pressure on them, strabismus and / or decreased visual acuity. In general, there are two stages of progressive ophthalmopathy - inflammatory (edematous) and fibrous (including pathological restructuring of soft tissues).

Diagnostics:

The clinical picture, as a rule, is quite typical and characteristic, which allows an ophthalmologist or endocrinologist to establish a diagnosis already during an external examination. For the purpose of confirmatory diagnostics, hardware and instrumental ophthalmological methods are usually used (intraocular pressure measurement, perimetry, examination of the act of convergence, etc.). Differential diagnostic value in some cases have the results of ultrasound or MRI. In addition, the symptoms of thyroid lesions require a special endocrinological examination - blood tests, an examination of the immune status, etc.

Treatment:

Against the background of the treatment of the underlying disease, i.e. autoimmune thyroiditis, various moisturizers are used in the treatment of endocrine ophthalmopathy, it is recommended to sleep on high pillows and / or mechanically press the eyelids at night. Physiotherapeutic methods are practiced - electrophoresis, magnetotherapy, etc. In severe cases, surgical intervention is performed on the eyelids, orbits or eye muscles. The prognosis is quite favorable with timely initiation of treatment: in about 90% of cases it is possible to achieve improvement, remission, or at least stabilization.

Does Graves Ophthalmopathy Go Away

Following surgery, ophthalmopathy often becomes better. However, the symptoms may never totally go away in some people.

Can Graves Ophthalmopathy Be Reversed?

Over the course of two to three years, many people with mild to moderate Graves ophthalmopathy will either spontaneously improve or learn to live with the anomaly. Ten percent of individuals will have severe ophthalmopathy.

How Do You Treat Graves Ophthalmopathy Naturally

Use these tips to help alleviate the symptoms of thyroid eye disease naturally.

• Avoid Secondhand Smoke
• Use Lubricating Eye Drops. ...
• Ask Your Doctor if You Should Try a Selenium Supplement.
• Elevate Your Head.
• Wear Sunglasses.
• Try Taping.
• Wear Fresnel Prisms.