Graves disease, otherwise known as the thyroid eye disease, is a rather unknown, but serious condition. In order to explain what the graves disease eye problem is you must first get familiar with the thyroid gland and what it does.
There is more to your thyroid gland than what I will explain to you here, I just want to keep it simple so you can understand graves disease. Your thyroid gland is in your neck and produces two types of thyroid hormones.
These hormones are vital for your metabolism running properly and your growth. Graves disease comes into play when your thyroid doesn't produce enough or it produces too much of thyroid hormones your body needs. When your body doesn't produce enough of the hormones it is called hypothyroidism.
When your thyroid doesn't produce enough of the thyroid hormones then you may:
* Feel depressed
* Feel Anxious
* Have a slower then usual heartbeat
* Feel sluggish
What if Your Thyroid Produces Too Much of the Hormones?
On the other end of the spectrum your thyroid can also produce too much of the thyroid hormones. This is known as hyperthyroidism. This type of graves disease occurs most often.
There are also symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism. Someone starting to suffer from this type of graves disease will experience:
* Hot flashes
* A faster then usual heartbeat
* Nervousness
How is This All Related To My Eyes?
Graves disease becomes a serious eye problem because of the painful symptoms it can cause. While the conditions and symptoms can vary in intensity, one of the most noticeable and the most common symptoms of the graves disease eye problem is the protrusion of your eye(s).
When your eye is protruded, your eyelid is pulled back and all the muscles and the tissues that are around the eye area swell up. This is what causes the pain and the eye problem.
Is This Disease Treatable?
Although the graves disease eye problem is a serious condition that can cause a lot of pain, stress, embarrassment, and suffering it is treatable. There are many ways to treat this condition. The most common methods are:
* Lubricants
* Steroids
* Eye surgery
* Radiation to the eye
The only downside to treating the graves disease eye problem is that it can take anywhere from six months to a year for the treatment to work. The exact amount of time needed to get rid of the problem depends upon the specific person and their case.
If you think you may have graves disease or would like more information talk to your local doctor. Good luck on your journey towards health and wellness! |
