Viewing 7 posts - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)
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  • Gabe
    Participant
    April 17, 2013 at 11:56 am
    Post count: 182
    #1059892

    Hi all, since diagnosis my eyes have been visibly swollen and dry. Visited an ophthalmologist in February who I didn’t like and didn’t get anything out of. Went to my optometrist twice (for routine annual vision exams) since diagnosis and both times my eye pressure has been high (around 26 vs. normal of around 8). I’ve never had an issue with eye pressure. Today they did an optic nerve scan and the nerve is fine (to rule out glaucoma).
    Asked my optometrist if he thought it was related to Graves but he didn’t seem to think so. So now it’s time to ask you all,,,the experts…is this another Graves symptom? Should I be concerned? Should I escalate to a different, new ophthalmologist?

    Thanks! Karen

    Kimberly
    Keymaster
    April 17, 2013 at 1:12 pm
    Post count: 4294
    #1178577

    Hello – Yes, elevated intraocular pressure can be a result of thyroid eye disease, but there can also be other causes as well.

    I do know of one local optometrist who is very familiar with Graves’, but most in my area are not. If it was me, I would try to connect with an experienced ophthalmologist who will take the time to address your questions and concerns seriously.

    Gabe
    Participant
    April 17, 2013 at 2:06 pm
    Post count: 182
    #1178578

    Thanks Kimberly. I will seek out another ophthalmologist. Karen

    Momof5
    Participant
    April 19, 2013 at 3:13 pm
    Post count: 118
    #1178579

    I was at an ophthalmologist today and he says normal is 10-21, but with 26 yours still seems high. Good luck.

    LR16661
    Participant
    April 22, 2013 at 6:38 pm
    Post count: 2
    #1178580

    I too have high pressure in my eyes, that have been building up for a couple of months. The eye Dr. said that once I was treated with RAI, that it would no longer be an issue with my eyes. My new edno said just the opposite, that I still have the graves antibodies, and until that is resolved, it is very much an issue. Just an FYI on my end.

    Kimberly
    Keymaster
    April 23, 2013 at 9:23 am
    Post count: 4294
    #1178581

    @LR16661 – The eye disease can actually strike at any time, before or after treatment, and regardless of treatment options. However, there *is* an increased risk of eye involvement following treatment with RAI. Some researchers believe that the post-RAI spike in antibodies is responsible for this increased risk, while others believe that patients being allowed to go too hypo following RAI is what triggers the increased risk. Sounds like your new endo is knowledgeable about the process!

    DeeColleen
    Participant
    April 30, 2013 at 4:41 am
    Post count: 12
    #1178582

    I actually suffer from Graves eye disease and the pressure is sometimes unbearable. I am extremely sensitive to light and heat (i have to make sure that no heat or air conditioning blows in my face while driving). There are ophthalmologists who specialize in Graves Eye Disease, I would try to seek one out.

    :) Dee

    Gabe wrote:
    Hi all, since diagnosis my eyes have been visibly swollen and dry. Visited an ophthalmologist in February who I didn’t like and didn’t get anything out of. Went to my optometrist twice (for routine annual vision exams) since diagnosis and both times my eye pressure has been high (around 26 vs. normal of around 8). I’ve never had an issue with eye pressure. Today they did an optic nerve scan and the nerve is fine (to rule out glaucoma).
    Asked my optometrist if he thought it was related to Graves but he didn’t seem to think so. So now it’s time to ask you all,,,the experts…is this another Graves symptom? Should I be concerned? Should I escalate to a different, new ophthalmologist?

    Thanks! Karen

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