[love2cook]

#1063398

Hi I am a newbie to Graves. I have surgery scheduled at the end of this month. I was hoping that total removal of my Thyroid would protect my eyes. Found out today that it really isn’t a factor in eye problems from Graves. You can develope
eye issues from Graves or TED anytime. Only thing I read was that smokers with Graves are more likely to have eye issues than non smokers.

[Rita]

#1018227

I was diagnosed with GD over a year ago. I am taking methimazole and my levels seem to be stabilized….all levels are now in a normal range. I am now concerned about my eyes. I have always had dry eyes and have had PRK eye surgery about 3 years ago. My question is… can you get TED and any time with this disease. My eyes seem to feel more tired, drier, scratchier and I have terrible bags under my eyes. Everyone says I look so tired. I have gone through an extremely stressful summer.

Any thought, opinions, comments from other members would be greatly appreciated.

[Kimberly]

#1063399

Hello – Yes, unfortunately, the eye disease tends to run its own course. There are patients who actually experience eye issues *before* the disease impacts their thyroid levels…and others who get the eye disease 20-30 years after being diagnosed and treated.

Dry eyes, a gritty sensation in the eyes, and swelling *can* be signs of Thyroid Eye Disease. Of course, this can also occur with allergies and other issues, so it’s best to get evaluated by an ophthalmologist.

As love2cook mentioned, smoking is one of the biggest risk factors in terms of severity of the eye disease. At our recent patient conference in San Diego, we heard *several* doctors re-iterate the importance of quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to second-hand smoke.

[Ski]

#1063400

Just to add one thing ~ we can experience dry eyes simply because our tears are less thick and moisturize our eyes less efficiently, which (as I understand it) is another typical symptom of Graves’ Disease overall (not confined just to Thyroid Eye Disease). Artificial tears (the ones without preservatives are best) can protect your eyes from potential damage caused by chronic dryness.

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