How does Graves’ disease affect the eyes?
Graves’ disease can affect your eyes in many different ways. The symptoms may vary from person to person and may fluctuate or clear up suddenly without any treatment. Following are several common eye problems associated with the disease. Eye protrusion. The Excess hormones in Graves’ disease cause the muscles in and around the eye to swell and push the eye forward. This eye bulge is a characteristic symptom of Graves’ disease and causes patients to look as if they are constantly staring. Eyelid retraction. This combination of eyelid swelling and eye protrusion may cause the eyelids to retract and reveal the white parts of the eye above and below the iris. Dry eyes. Due to eye protrusion and eyelid retraction your eyes are more exposed to the environments’ elements, such as wind and sun, and may become very dry. Dry eyes can cause several side effects including: • irritation and discomfort to the eye; • inflammation of the eye; • excessive tearing; • light sensitivity; • blurred vision;
