What Is Graves Eye Disease?

Many people each year are diagnosed with Grave’s eye disease. The disease is classified as an autoimmune inflammatory disorder that affects the orbit located around the eye. The condition retracts the upper eyelid and there is swelling, redness and noticeable eye swelling. Most people affect by the disease are very uncomfortable with their appearance.

Those with a mild case of Grave's eye disease usually experience eyelid retraction. Eyelid retraction is one of the most common symptoms of the disease. Most people who experience the retraction also have trouble with eye dryness. Many people also have trouble producing tears, grittiness and they also complain of having blurred vision.

If the disease progresses individuals will notice edema of the extraocular muscles that lead to gaze abnormalities. At this point the inferior rectus muscle is also affected and there is limitation to the elevation of the eyes because of fibrosis. This will usually increase the pressure in the eyes and individuals may develop double blurred vision.

In more severe and active Grave’s eye disease there are mass effects and changes of the orbit. Many individuals in this stage have very restrictive myopathy. The eye movement is at a minimum. There may also be enormous amounts of nerve damage in the eyes.

The condition is diagnosed clinically by the presenting ocular signs and symptoms. There are test done to for different types of abnormalities that will support the diagnosis.  There are different types of treatment for the condition and depending upon the severity surgery may need to be performed.