What Are The Symptoms of Thyroid-Related Eye Problems?
Thyroid-related eye disease is a bilateral condition but may be markedly asymmetric. In mild thyroid-related eye disease, patients may only be aware of dry, irritated eyes. The eyelids may swell giving a full appearance to the upper and lower eyelids. As the tissues of the orbit become involved, the eyes may bulge forward (proptosis or exophthalmos) and there may be aching behind the eye. Eyelid retraction is the most common eye sign of Graves disease. The upper eyelids may retract upward and the lower eyelids may retract downward giving patients a characteristic “stare”. Eyelid retraction may vary and occasionally “flare” giving a more pronounced appearance of protruding eyes. Proptosis and eyelid retraction may result in poor corneal protection and inadequate eyelid closure. In severe cases, vision loss may result from corneal exposure and/or ulceration. Vision-threatening, painful, spontaneous globe subluxation (eyelids retract behind protruding globe) may occur in cases of advanced
