Graves’ Eye Disease occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the muscles and tissues around the eyes. This leads to inflammation and expansion of the fat and muscle within the eye socket. Symptoms can range from mild irritation and swelling to more severe complications such as proptosis (eye bulging), double vision, or, in rare cases, vision loss due to optic nerve compression.
Early recognition and intervention can significantly improve outcomes, reducing the risk of permanent damage and helping maintain both eye function and appearance.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis begins with a thorough eye examination, assessing eye appearance, movement, and visual function. Blood tests may be conducted to evaluate thyroid hormone levels and antibodies. In more complex cases, imaging such as CT or MRI scans is used to evaluate inflammation, muscle enlargement, and optic nerve compression.
Treatment options
Supportive Care
- Lubricating eye drops or ointments to relieve dryness and irritation
- Eyelid taping or eye patches to protect the surface during sleep
- Smoking cessation, as smoking worsens both symptoms and outcomes
- Selenium supplements in mild cases to support eye health
Medication-Based Therapies
- Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in active disease
- Teprotumumab (Tepezza), a targeted therapy that reduces inflammation and eye bulging in moderate to severe cases
Radiation Therapy
Surgical Options
- Orbital Decompression Surgery to relieve pressure and reduce eye bulging
- Strabismus Surgery to correct double vision caused by muscle imbalance
- Eyelid Surgery to improve eyelid position, reduce exposure, and protect the eye
