The Look of Graves

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder affecting millions of Americans- mostly women, starting in their 20s and 30s. It’s caused by the thyroid overproducing hormones that control metabolism.

“The most common thing that people know about Graves’ disease is you will start losing weight regardless of your appetite. The other thing you have is fast heartbeat,” says Dr. Heitham Ajlouni. He is an endocrinologist with Lee Memorial Health System.

The overactive thyroid can also cause heat sensitivity, nervousness, frequent bowel movements, trouble sleeping and trouble getting pregnant. While noticeable, these symptoms may not add up quickly. But there are telltale signs written across a patient’s face.

“Their eyeball will protrude in front of them and it’s called orbitopathy. So they have a special eye look. Also it can affect your skin, you can have non-pitting edema, swelling of your limb,” says Dr. Aljouni.

Graves’ disease is the only form of hyperthyroidism that affects the eyes in this way. The bulging is the result of inflammation and swelling of tissue behind the eyes. It can also cause double-vision, which is why doctors keep a close eye on its progression.

“Problems with irritation, redness, if it’s severe they can’t even close their eyes while they are sleeping. We have some measurements for the eye, so each visit we see if it’s advancing or not.”

Drug therapy and thyroid surgery are both treatments for Graves’ eye issues may require additional treatment or surgery. But in people searching for a cause to their worrisome woes, their eyes may give them away.

Lee Memorial Health System in Fort Myers, FL is the largest network of medical care facilities in Southwest Florida and is highly respected for its expertise, innovation and quality of care. For nearly a century, we’ve been providing our community with everything from primary care treatment to highly specialized care services and robotic assisted surgeries.

[zlatkoc]

This is why people don't watch tv anymore. 1 minute and 42 sec. to explain the serious condition.

[kimsordyl]

The real question is why suddenly we get so many autoimmune diseases? Why would our body attack its own tissue? So much research is concentrated on treating the symptoms rather the cause.

[BernaAral]

It’s so terrible 😮 I found myself here researching something about thyroid
May the Almighty Jesus protect us ✝️😢

[JoeMama-pftx]

Thank you I'm 15 now and I was diagnosed when I was in 5th grade and I am one of the only boys who have it

[backupme]

I am constantly losing my weight. Getting hollow eyes, loss of appetite.

[joshpembers]

Some of this information is not really accurate. Graves Disease does not usually begin in the 20s and 30s. It's mostly in the 40s and 50s and occasionally continues in an active state until one's 60s. Most people have minor (?) eye problems, and there are a minority (me included) who get severe thyroid eye disease with often requires 3 to 10 or more surgeries to make the eyes see without double vision and to get the eyelids to b able to open and close to protect the eyes. It's an awful illness. **Some "correlations" ... most people who get Graves Disease smoked cigarettes sometime in their life (when diagnosed or even many years earlier) Also emotional issues are a huge trigger ... especially what is called the "multiple major losses" (such as losing job, house, wife or husband, children, massive debt "all in a short period of time).

[truereality]

The health system today is so corrupt, ignorant, and blind. But an awakening is happening. we need "cures" that treat the root of the problem, not "treatments" that are invasive, unnatural, do not cure, and only mask the symptoms rather that curing the root problem.

[forgottenknowledge]

Would being in a high stress environment or doing the interferon program cause Graves? I did a lot of time in my 20s and I did interferon when I was 23. I was diagnosed with graves at age 25.

[alexjoseph]

I have got problem in my has bulged out and I am not able to close my eyes during my sleep

[kds]

Some of us actually have trouble losing weight or even gaining.

[Duriel]

Thats why doctors keep a close EYE on its progression... EYE am dying lol

[Beauty.For.Ashes.]

I have Grave's disease and I can't lose weight to save my life🤦🏽‍♀️

[sheamarcelle]

My eyes made my whole face look differently once i was diagnosed with graves! Its almost embarrassing!

[kingatheist]

I've had it for two years now, and it isn't being treated.

[curtistinemiller]

IS THIS. A GENETIC DISEASE?.OR CAN YOU JUST GET IT?.

[mattymo]

man, makes.it look like your coked out and has same side effects

[warmbeergamingdude]

I knew a chic who had the eye bulging. I still hit 😁