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Eye Care (Expert Forum)
Eye problems associated with Graves Disease
Our Ask A Doctor Ophthalmology Forum is where you can post your question and receive a personal answer from physicians affiliated with the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Eye problems associated with Graves Disease
by Gay-Lyn, Jul 30, 1999 12:00AM
Posted by Gay Lynn on July 30, 1999 at 21:54:19
I was diagnosed and treated with Radioactive Iodine in 1996. It took a year for my thyroid to get to normal and now is on the decline. My left eye was effected, my right eye is normal but the left one protruded out by 2degrees. I have the puffiness above both eyes and the bags under both eyes. My question is will I always have this problem, or will it ever go away. I am on Synthoid, 0.075mg. My main concern is that I look ten years older than I am because of the puffiness around the eyes and the bags. I am 47 years old. It has been 3 years since my Iodine treatment, I thought when they got my thyroid under controll that the fluid build up around my eyes would go down. Can you please help me with this, or let me know where to go for help concerning my eyes. It is very traumatic to always look like you are extremely tired all the time. I look like I never get any sleep. Please help me if you can. Thank You, Gay Lynn
P.S. Would taking a fluid pill once in a while help this problem?
Posted by hfhs md ke on July 30, 1999 at 22:38:18
gay lynn-
contrary to what even other physicians tell their patients the eyue findings of wgat is called grave's disease are NOT directly associated with the high thyroid, they are simply felt to be caused by the same inflammatory process- in other words even with a normal or even low thyroid level u can have eye findings like what u r experiencing. the good news is that after 3 years the eye findings are probably stable. at this point i would seek the advice of an oculoplastic surgeon ( a specially trained ophthalmologist ) who can advise u on whether or not any surgery is indicated. If you are interested we would love to see you here at Henry Ford Eye Care Services. Simply call 1-800-363-7575 for an appointment.
