Graves and eye problems

[lgreen1952]

I am 24 and diagnosed with severe Graves last year. On Methimazole and last TSH 2.1. I woke up yesterday with eyes bloodshot, gritty, painful and eyelids swollen. I don't think I have had the bug eyes that I read about with Graves. This has happened periodically and at first I thought it was my contacts but I did not have them in the night before. I know this condition is connected with Graves but is there any treatment? I am miserable.

[skymax2000]

I have Graves and I can't wear contacts more than a couple of hours or I get dry eye discomfort. I use to have bouts of really bad eye pain before I was diagnosed with Graves/hyperthyroidism. I've never been diagnosed with an eye disease but am positive it's related to Graves. I couldn't do lasik either b/c they said I have really thin corneas.

[cmclien]

BTW, the treatments have helped alot.  My only frustration is that I can't wear my contacts and am not eligible for lasik as "dry eye" is a big side effect of dry eyes.
Cindi

[cmclien]

Hi,
I have major dry eyes and I am hypo.  There is ALOT of information out there if you google Thyroid Eye disease like Renata2020 suggested.  Only 20% of people with TED are hypo and the rest have Graves like yourself.  I have been treated with restasis eye drops which reduces the swelling in your eyes, systane eye drops throughout the day for moisture, puncta or is it punctal? plugs in my lower lids to slow evaporation of the tears and had to quit wearing my contacts I"m sorry to say.
The best thing you can do is go see an opthamologist who specializes in dry eyes or TED, they can evaluate you and determine if this is what it is.  Not to freak you out but Its important to have it treated because it can cause eye damage if in fact you don't just have allergies or conjunctivitis.
Good Luck!
Cindi

[Renata2020]

I was diagnosed with Graves in 2007.  From all that I read, many Graves people can have eye involvement.  The eye bulging form is the most severe phase and from what I read, very rare.  Even though we all worry about it, that type of involvement effects a small portion of Graves people and is more common amonst smokers.  I also learned that most people with Graves do have some type of eye involvement but most of it is minor such as dry eyes giving you that gritty feeling and mild swelling.  I have slept for over a year now with my head elevated to help alleviate some of the swelling.  I still wake up with swelling around my eyes (under eye bags for example).  Periodically I get dry eyes and use Genteal eye drops.  If you are diagnosed with Graves, I would highly suggest an opthamologist appointment as they can take measurements of your eyes in the event things start to change.  I was diagnosed in January and saw eye doctor in February.  The eye involvement is called Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) and there is much info on the web.  The only treatment that I know of is drops for the dry feeling and sleeping elevated at night.  You can try cold compresses for the swelling.  Eye involvement has to be one of the most scariest parts of Graves disease.  Hang in there!

[ChitChatNine]

Good morning and WELCOME to the board.  No Grave's exp. here so do not have an answer but wanted to mention many may respond with real life experience and knowledge in this area.

If not Graves, then may be conjunctivitis "pink eye" .. which is always a possibility but I don't know enough to even go there ... sorry :(

Cheryl