The thyroid---a bow-tied shaped gland located in the crook of the neck---can become overactive, which means it produces too much thyroid hormone. Graves' disease is the only form of overactive thyroid that causes eye problems, reports Thyroid.org. A lot of people with this disorder have red or irritated eyes; however, less than 1 percent develop eye problems that are permanent or severe.
Types
Eye problems associated with Graves' disease include inflammation of the eyes themselves and swelling around the eyes, reports Thyroid.org. A common effect is bulging eyes, which is called Graves' ophthalmopathy, reports the MayoClinic.com. This occurs because the tissues and muscles behind the eyes have swollen, thus pushing the eyeball forward.
Symptoms
People with Graves' ophthalmopathy may have a number of eye problems, including redness, oversensitivity to light, dry eyes and tearing, explains MayoClinic.com. There may even be the sensation of sand in the eyes.
Time Frame
Eye changes typically begin six months before or after Graves' disease has been diagnosed, reports Thyroid.org. The first signs of eye problems are red, bulging or inflamed eyes, while compromised vision appears later.
Complications
Complications of Graves' ophthalmopathy include reduced ability to move the eyes, reports MayoClinic.com. Ulcers may develop on the membrane that covers the iris and the pupil, which is called the cornea. Vision may become double or blurred.
The Role of Smoking
Eye problems in people with Graves' disease are five times higher in smokers than nonsmokers, reports the MayoClinic.com. Experts theorize that smoking may interfere with the medicine used to treat Graves' disease, according to MayoClinic.com.
Management
Mild symptoms such as tearing can be managed with eye drops during the day and a lubricating paraffin-based gel overnight, reports MayoClinic.com. Wearing sunglasses with wraparound sides can mitigate light sensitivity while cool compresses add needed moisture. More pronounced symptoms must be treated by a physician, who may prescribe steroids to reduce inflammation or, in severe cases, perform surgery to allow the eyes to recede back to their normal location. For some people, simply adding prisms to eyeglasses may correct double vision.
