Graves’ Disease

source: Columbia Surgery

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland, the butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower front of the neck. Graves’ disease causes the thyroid gland to produce excess amounts of thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism).

Symptoms of Graves’ Disease:
Graves’ disease can cause eye and skin changes. Such symptoms may occur before or after a person is diagnosed with Graves’ disease. In many cases, these symptoms resolve with treatment.

Eye symptoms associated with Graves’ disease may include:

• Redness
• Swelling around the eyes
• Bulging eyes/ inflammation
• Rarely, diminished or double vision

Most Graves’ disease-related eye problems (called Graves’ ophthalmopathy) are mild and are not permanent. They are more frequent and serious among patients who smoke, however.