Graves Disease and Thyroid Eye Disease

[TC]

Hi,

Please could you give me some information relating to the link between Graves disease and thyroid eye disease? Does it mean if I am diagnosed with Graves I will definitely suffer from the eye disease too?

Many thanks

[Nurse Dianne Wright]

Hi

No it does not mean that if you have Graves disease that you will definitely suffer from Graves Opthalmopathy.
There is however a link between an overactive thyroid and eye disease.
If your thyroid is stable at the moment, you may not ever get eye problems but the important thing is that if you do get any eye problems, contact your specialist for advice sooner rather than later. You can be referred to an eye specialist for expert advice.
If your thyroid is overworking you may get eye problems but as your levels settle hopefully your eye problems will settle as well although it can take many months for eye problems to settle even if thyroid levels are stable.
Remember though, your eyes may never be a problem.

Regards

Dianne Wright
Specialist Nurse in Endocrinology