What is Graves’ Disease?
Graves’ Disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland, resulting in the overproduction of thyroid hormones. But Graves’ Disease can also affect the eyes, causing protrusion, dryness, and eye discomfort. Fortunately, treatment options such as medication, decompression, lid retraction repair, and surgery can effectively manage these eye symptoms, allowing individuals with Graves’ Disease to see and feel healthier again.
What are the eye symptoms associated with Graves’ Disease?
Graves’ Disease can cause distinct eye symptoms known as Graves’ ophthalmopathy or thyroid eye disease. These eye-related manifestations occur due to the immune system’s attack on the tissues and muscles surrounding the eyes. Common symptoms include:
- Eyelid retraction (an abnormally high resting position of the upper lid)
- Strabismus (the eyes don’t look in the same direction at the same time)
- Bulging or protrusion of the eyes (exophthalmos)
- Redness
- Swelling
- A gritty or dry sensation
The severity of eye symptoms can vary widely, ranging from mild irritation to more severe cases that affect vision and overall eye function.
How can Florida Eyelid and Cosmetic Surgery help?
If you experience eye issues caused by Graves’ Disease, Dr. Warner may recommend medications such as TEPEZZA, and/or surgery such as decompression, strabismus surgery, or lid retraction repair.
TEPEZZA is a prescription medication used to treat symptoms of Thyroid Eye Disease. The medication is administered via infusion for a total of 8 infusions. Call today for an appointment with Dr. Warner to inquire if you are a candidate for TEPEZZA.
Decompression, or orbital decompression surgery, is a procedure that involves removing or reshaping the bone and tissues around the eye socket to create more space for the swollen tissues, relieving pressure on the optic nerve and allowing the eyes to return to a more natural position. By reducing the bulging of the eyes and improving eye movement, decompression surgery can alleviate symptoms such as double vision, dryness, and irritation.
Single-stage, intra-operative adjustable strabismus surgery is an innovative surgical technique involving realigning the eyes during a single operation while the patient is under anesthesia. Dr. Warner would adjust the muscle tension and position of the eyes, allowing for fine-tuning of the eye alignment. By addressing the strabismus directly, this procedure aims to improve the patient’s binocular vision, reduce double vision, and enhance overall eye coordination.
Lid retraction repair involves surgically adjusting the position of the eyelids to achieve a more natural and symmetrical appearance. The procedure may involve techniques such as recession or resection of the eyelid muscles, as well as additional procedures to correct any associated issues. By restoring proper eyelid position, lid retraction repair can alleviate symptoms, improve eye protection, and enhance overall eye comfort and function in individuals with Graves’ Disease.
Schedule a consultation in Orlando
Prompt diagnosis and treatment by a board certified ophthalmologist and surgeon like Dr. Warner is crucial to managing and minimizing the impact of these eye symptoms. Our goal is to enable individuals with Graves’ Disease to maintain optimal eye health and quality of life. Call 407-863-8700 or fill out the form below to get started with a consultation.
