Graves’ disease, also known as thyroid eye disease, occurs with conditions involving an under- or overactive thyroid gland. Doctors cannot predict which thyroid disease patients will have Graves’ disease, but the condition most commonly occurs in women in their 20s or 30s. Diet and lifestyle choices do not play a role in preventing the disease, and factors such as caffeine do not have a known role in the condition.
Symptoms
Graves’ disease may cause your eyes to feel irritated and appear red. You may notice puffiness or swelling of your eyelids. Since the condition may cause inflammation in the tissues and muscles behind your eyes, you may have difficulty with eye movement, and this inflammation may also cause blurred or double vision. The swollen tissues may also push your eyes forward, giving your eyes a bulging appearance. This condition, known as proptosis, may cause difficulties in closing your eyelids completely, which may intensify the discomfort and irritation on the surface of your eyes.
Caffeine
Caffeine consumption does not play a role in preventing or increasing the symptoms associated with Graves’ disease. However, if you want to reduce the amount of caffeine you consume to help with other conditions, you should gradually decrease your intake to prevent symptoms of withdrawal. These symptoms commonly include headaches, irritability and stomach upset. Products containing caffeine include colas, tea, coffee and chocolate. Medications for headaches or weight loss may also contain caffeine.
Treatment
Although caffeine does not have a known impact on Graves’ disease, your doctor will work with you to determine ways to help control your symptoms. If you have high or low thyroid levels, your doctor will begin by prescribing medications to bring those levels into a normal range. This may help reduce mild symptoms associated with Graves’ disease, but you may continue to have eye problems.
You may need to change your eyeglass prescription or have prisms put into your glasses to correct double vision. Artificial tears may help provide moisture and comfort to irritated eyes. Bulging eyes may not respond to treatment, and in certain cases, proptosis will not resolve even though you have balanced thyroid levels.
Considerations
If you experience any sign of Graves’ disease, inform your doctor immediately. Prompt treatment will not only help control your thyroid condition, but may prevent further eye-related complications.
Your caffeine consumption may not affect your condition, but you could experience side effects such as anxiety, depression or restlessness when you consume caffeinated products.
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