[belldandy112]

#1072475

Get thee to an eye doctor with dispatch!

I’ve been in remission for yonks, but only recently began to have noticeable eyelid swelling, both above and beneath the lid. I never had eye protrusion either. I don’t have any pressure on the eye, per CT scan, but the specialist I saw who treats TED (Graves-related eye disease) was quite clear that this can take place independent of GD itself, and that it can get very serious. I’m on a course of steroids right now. We’re going to see how well that works, and if this is going to be manageable. But I really would suggest going to a specialist if you feel pressure and have headaches … this is not something you want to just let go. Good luck, and no worries — all of the tests for this are very noninvasive.

[Ski]

#1072476

Absolutely right ~ these two diseases are separate, but related, and TED has its own course. Usually it begins within a year (before or after) the thyroid disease, but not in every case. We’ve had people here with 15 years of successful treatment behind them, and wham, eye disease. See an ophthalmologist, and make sure they’ve had experience with TED patients.

[gdp30]

#1019559

I had been dealing with Graves Disease for about three years without any complications, but lately, I’ve been dealing with pressure behind my eyes. The pressure has caused some headaches and dizziness. Has anyone else dealt with this? Is this the on-set of Graves Eye Disease? I don’t have bulging eyes or anything noticeable. But the pressure is significant enough that I can’t just ignore it.

I figured I was relatively in the clear after having my thyroid shrunk and getting my synthroid dosage right. Can you experience eye problems even if your hormone levels say you’re fine? Any suggestions on treatment?

[Unicorn65]

#1072477

I agree with those here who have said that you need to see an Ophthalmologist pronto!

My experience started with horrible migraines, of which I went to the ER one night in March ’05. They did a CT-scan and found nothing of course! So, I continued to suffer and figured it was the stress of working for a temporary service in a very stressful situation with a large managed care corporation. I think that everything was brought on or worsened by the high amount of stress. One day in August ’05 after driving a hour one way to work I closed my eyes and took 10 minutes to de-stress from the rush hour traffic. When I opened my eyes I couldn’t see straight. I was seeing double of everything. I looked in the mirror and couldn’t tell anything but immediately called my doctor and drove back home (did not go into the office). I quit that job 3 days later because I didn’t feel safe driving 38 miles one way at (65 mph) to get to work. The doctor didn’t notice anything during the first O.V. in August but I kept looking at myself and finally I notice the top lid of my right eye was pushing out (Sept.) and within 30 days, a 2nd Dr appointment, and an MRI later – I had my diagnosis.

In hind sight, (no pun intended) I really should have kept after the doctors on the headache issue. I almost always do but that time I was just trying to get a permanent job so that I could get back on my feet financially, it didn’t work. I have since had eye surgeries and am hoping that the next step is Strabismus (muscle surgery).

So, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Don’t forget to keep us updated.
Take care,
Cyndy

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