[Anonymous August 29, 1998 at 12:58 am Post count: 93172]

#1148107

Hi, Kristy!

I hope that Denise’s article will help you and your family understand
and cope a little easier. Best wishes to you!

Also, I’m glad that your doctor has referred you to an ophthalmologist.
Any person with Graves’ disease that starts to have eye symptoms needs
to be evaluated by an ophthal. who is knowledgeable about Graves’.
The eye pain you’re experiencing *could* be because of pressure on the
optic nerve (which can lead to vision problems), or because you have
some slight protrusion and your eyes are drying out (even if they
don’t feel like they’re dry). Like Kathleen said, try using
artificial tears (Celluvisc, Tears Naturale, HypoTears) during the
day, and/or a lubricating ointment (LacriLube, Refresh PM, Tears
Renewed) at night. Keeping your eyes moist may help with your
discomfort.

Also, here is some info about your upcoming appointment.
from “Your Thyroid, A Home Reference” (Wood, Cooper, Ridgway):
p. 105 “It should be pointed out that thyroid eye disease does not
necessarily progress in an orderly fashion from mild to severe in any
given patient. In fact a rapid decrease in vision can occur due to
pressure upon the optic nerve in a patient with only minimal swelling
of the eyelids. For this reason, if you have Graves’ disease and begin
to show signs of eye trouble, you should have a complete eye examination.
If your eye involvement is severe, your physician may refer you to an
ophthalmologist (eye specialist), who will have at his or her disposal
all of the equipment needed to evaluate the various eye problems that
may occur in Graves’ disease. Your vision can be accurately tested.
The amount of eye protrusion can be accurately measured with an
exophthalmometer. The cornea and other tissues of your eye can be
examined by the use of a microscopelike instrument known as a slit
lamp. Ultrasound pictures of your eye and eye socket (orbit) may be
taken, using sound waves in a technique similar to radar. Alternatively
your physician may request special X rays of your orbits done by
computerized tomography (CT scan), or by a newer technique called
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These techniques will provide a
clear picture of the inflamed tissues behind your eye.”

Wishing you health and happines, Debby

[Anonymous August 29, 1998 at 2:15 am Post count: 93172]

#1049922

I went to my endo today about the pain I have been
having for a week in my right eye. He didn’t really
know what to make of it, because I don’t have any
other classic symptoms of Graves’ eye disease along
with the pressure pain. I am being referred to an
opthomologist early next week. My endo said he wanted
the optho to rule out glaucoma and something else
I can’t remember right now before he checks into
the idea that it may be Graves’ eye disease related.
I am really scared about something being wrong with
my eyes. I know that having Graves’ is hard enough,
but the idea of having something wrong with my eyes
just frightens me. Wish me luck and I will update
after my optho appt. Thanks to all who replied to
my original post.

Kristy

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