Graves' eye disease can also be present when the level of thyroid hormone in the blood is normal or low, depending on the degree of glandular stimulation caused by the immune attack and by the amount of thyroid gland destruction present at the time of diagnosis.
Graves' eye disease, also known as thyroid eye disease, is an autoimmune condition in which immune cells attack the thyroid gland which responds by secreting an excess amount of thyroid hormone. As a result, the thyroid gland enlarges and excess hormones increase metabolism. However, most patients with eye symptoms have abnormal hormone levels that are accompanied by specific antibodies in the blood stream. The components of the disease affecting the thyroid gland and the eyes have common causes, but evolve separately and must each be treated separately. There are numerous symptoms of Graves’ disease—an autoimmune disorder that causes the thyroid gland to over-produce thyroid hormone, which is known as hyperthyroidism. Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, so some Graves’ disease symptoms are the same as hyperthyroidism symptoms. However, people with Graves’ disease may also have other symptoms not related to hyperthyroidism. It can be a challenge to detect Graves’ disease early on. Eye problems that are sometimes related to Graves’ disease can be anywhere from mild to extremely severe. In more mild cases, your eyes may become red and inflamed. Or they may tear or be very sensitive to light. In severe cases, Graves’ disease can cause inflammation of the eye muscles. The symptoms that occur in thyroid eye disease include dry eyes, watery eyes, red eyes, bulging eyes, a stare, double vision, difficulty closing the eyes, and problems with vision. Research suggests that the cause of thyroid disease and thyroid eye disease is an autoimmune disorder.  While most people with overactive thyroid due to Graves' disease probably have some mild eye changes that do not cause them any symptoms, about three per cent of them with more severe disease will require some form of treatment. The eye involvement, like the thyroid disorder, is mediated in part by white blood cells (lymphocytes) that accumulate in the targeted tissues. These cells produce the antibodies that cause local tissue inflammation and fluid accumulation, resulting in abnormal functioning of the affec Clues that your hyperthyroidism is caused by Graves’ disease are the presence of Graves’ eye disease (see above), an enlarged thyroid and a history of other family members with thyroid or autoimmune problems. Although many patients with Graves’ disease have redness and irritation of the eyes at some time, less than five percent ever develop enough inflammation of the eye tissues to cause serious or permanent trouble. Also, women are more likely than men to develop the disease. And smokers who develop Graves' disease are more prone to eye problems than nonsmokers with the disease. No single gene causes Graves’ disease. It is thought to be triggered by both genetics and environmental factors, such as stress. Eye trouble -- usually in the form of inflamed and swollen eye muscles and tissues that can cause the eyeballs to protrude from their sockets -- is a distinguishing complication of Graves' disease. Graves' eye disease can also be present when the level of thyroid hormone in the blood is normal or low, depending on the degree of glandular stimulation caused by the immune attack and by the amount of thyroid gland destruction present at the time of diagnosis. However, most patients with eye symptoms have abnormal hormone levels that are accompanied by specific antibodies in the blood stream. The components of the disease affecting the thyroid gland and the eyes have common causes, but evolve separately and must each be treated separately. Graves’ eye disease, like Graves’ hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disorder. It is caused by the reaction of antibodies and certain white blood cells called lymphocytes, with proteins in eye muscle, the connective tissue and fat around the eyeball. Graves’ eye disease is an eye condition that occurs in about 50% of patients who currently have, or have had Graves’ hyperthyroidism if eyelid changes are included. One of the main causes of exophthalmos in the UK is thyroid eye disease, also known as Graves' ophthalmopathy. This is an autoimmune condition that affects around one in every three people with an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) caused by Graves' disease.  Background of eye problems and Graves' disease. Eye problems developing with hyperthyroidism were described over 160 years ago by Dr. Robert Graves of Dublin. That is why it is called Graves' disease. It is now known to be an autoimmune disorder. The eye involvement, like the thyroid disorder, is mediated in part by white blood cells (lymphocytes) that accumulate in the targeted tissues. These cells produce the antibodies that cause local tissue inflammation and fluid accumulation, resulting in abnormal functioning of the affec
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eye problems caused by graves disease