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The Kraff Eye Institute is at the forefront of Graves Eye Disease (Thyroid Eye Disease) treatment in the Chicago area and surrounding areas.
Graves Eye Disease, also referred to as Thyroid Eye Disease, is an autoimmune condition in which immune cells begin to attack the thyroid gland. The Thyroid gland responds by releasing an excess amount of hormones. As a result, the thyroid gland becomes enlarged and the excess hormones increase metabolism. This increased metabolism can create a rapid heart rate, heart palpitations, excessive sweating, high blood pressure, fatigue, weight loss. When the immune system attacks the tissue around the eyes, it can cause the eye muscles to swell and expand. Ocular Symptoms can range from mild to severe, but it is very rare the disease will negatively affect sight.
The primary symptom of Thyroid Eye Disease is bulging eyes, often referred to as proptosis.
Other symptoms can include:
Graves eye disease typically affects both eyes, but you may find you only notice symptoms in one eye. Symptoms can last up to 2 years and often go away on their own. In rare cases, swelling around the eyes can cause pressure on the optic nerve, resulting in loss of vision.
A doctor will diagnose thyroid eye disease by examining your eyes, and observing swelling and enlargement of the eye muscles. Graves eye disease often will improve on its own, buy in very rare case, they symptoms may persist despite treatment of the overall thyroid gland and specific eye treatments.
If you are diagnosed with Graves disease, you will be treated for your thyroid problems. Sometimes the treatment for thyroid problems will in turn help with Thyroid Eye Disease, but some people will require a separate treatment for their eyes.
Over the counter eye drops, or artificial tears, are the most common treatment for dry and irritated eyes. They are available without a prescription. Lipiflow is also an excellent treatment to improve the production and quality of your own tears.
If your doctor sees a lot of swelling behind the eyes, your doctor may prescribe a steroid such as prednisone, or other medications to help reduce the swelling.
Wearing Eyeglasses: If you have double vision, special prescription lenses can help correct double vision and help you see more clearly.
Surgery: Orbital decompression surgery makes the eye socket bigger to ease pressure on the optic nerve and help the eye move back into the correct position.
Radiation: In rare cases, radiation may be used to treat Graves eye disease. The radiation can reduce swelling in the muscles and
To find out which Thyroid Eye Disease treatment is right for you, schedule a consultation with the experienced doctors of The Kraff Eye Institute.
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The cause of Graves eye disease is directly related to the immune system attacking the muscles and the other ocular tissues in the eye socket. The swelling and inflammation results in the symptoms of Thyroid eye disease. In severe cases, the clear covering of the eye may ulcerate, or the optic nerve may be damaged, which has the potential to cause permanent loss of vision if not diagnosed and treated appropriately. Most patients with thyroid eye disease have eyes that bulge forward. Many patients with mild to moderate Graves ophthalmology will experience improvement over the course of 2 to 3 years, or will adapt to the abnormality. Severe illness only affects about 10% of patients with Graves eye disease. These patients can experience inflammation of the muscles, causing them to swell, resulting in stiffness that impedes the movement of the eyes. This inability of the eyes to move properly can cause double vision. In some patients, the eye protrusion makes it difficult to close the eyes properly, exposing the cornea, resulting in ulcers and chronic dry eyes.
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The cost of thyroid eye disease treatment will be related to the treatment plan your doctor feels is the most beneficial for you. Your treatment plan will be discussed at your doctor's appointment.
The Kraff Eye Institute is a proud partner of CareCredit, America's leading patient payment program. CareCredit will allow you to start your eye care treatment immediately, then pay for it at your convenience with low monthly payments.
With 30 years of experience, specializing in corneal conditions, Dr. Kraff and his dedicated staff provide their patients with the most advanced treatment for disease of the cornea. Dr. Kraffs dedication to advanced technology has allowed his patients to achieve a high level of success, while maintaining safety at all times.With over 30 years of experience, the dedicated doctors and staff of the Kraff Eye Institute are ready to help you manage and maintain your Graves Eye disease. A commitment to advanced technology will guarantee you receive the most up to date, progressive treatments that are currently available.
Schedule your thyroid eye disease consultation today. Call our office at
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Although Graves Disease, and Graves Eye Disease both stem from the thyroid, one does not directly cause the other. Treatment of the thyroid gland won't always improve the eye disease. The two diseases will progress separately and may not necessarily occur at the same time.
If you have been diagnosed with Graves disease, you are at risk for Graves Eye Disease. About 1 and 3 people with Graves disease will develop some of the eye problems associated with Graves Eye disease. Smoking increases the risk of developing eye problems if you have Graves disease. Graves disease is more common in women than men, and usually developed before the age of 40. You are at a higher risk if you have a family member with Graves Disease.
Thyroid Eye Disease unfortunately cannot be prevented. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing TED. If you smoke, quit! Schedule routine eye exams and notify your doctor if you have sudden or changing vision. The quicker you can start treatment, the more likely any symptoms you are experiencing can be resolved.
