Hyperthyroidism: Graves’ Ophthalmopathy

source: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Graves’ ophthalmopathy, also called thyroid eye disease, is an autoimmune disease that can occur in people with Graves’ disease. In Graves’ ophthalmopathy the tissues and muscles behind the eyes become swollen. The eyeballs may stick out farther than normal. This can occur before, after, or at the same time as other signs of hyperthyroidism.

Most people who develop Graves’ ophthalmopathy have one or more of the following symptoms:

• Dry, itchy, irritated eyes
• A staring or bug-eyed look
• Sensitivity to light; watery, teary eyes; and a feeling of pain or pressure around the eyes
• Difficulty closing the eyes completely
• Double vision, especially when looking to the sides
• Pain when moving the eyes up and down and from side to side