Thyroid Eye Disease and Treatment

[poks2k]

Last year I was diagnosed with Graves disease and had a radioactive ablation done in April.  Sometime around March of 2009, my eyelids became puffy and my eyes were usually watery.  I called my Endocrinologist and asked if this was related to my thyroid and she sugg. I visit my Primary Care Dr.  I did and he followed an allergy path.  I finally went to an allergist who said that allergies may be playing a role, it was not the primary cause.  I then went to my Opthomologist who sent me for an MRI of the orbits.  The MRI confirmed Thyroid Eye disease.  The opthomologist sugg. I go back to the Endocrinologist.  I don't think this is right.  While the problem may have started as a thryoid issue, the problem is now an eye issue.  

I've made an appointment now with an Opthomoligist who is assoc. with the Columbia Presbrytarian Harkness Eye Center.

Is there anything else I should be doing?

Thanks in advance.

[poks2k]

I have good news.  After about 18 months (based on when my first symptoms showed, not from diagnosis), my Thyroid Eye disease gradually reversed.  First the double vision went away and then over time the bulging and tearing decreased.  

I'm told that there is a possibility that it can retrun but I wanted to share this and hope others experience the same thing.

Jim

[ChitChatNine]

WELCOME to our Community!

C~

[poks2k]

Hi,

Thanks for the input.  I don't smoke.  I am in NY and now have a couple of appointments with Opthomologist.  I'll also be looking for a new Endocrinologist since mine saw me a couple of months ago and did not diagnos the problem.  

[babeblue94]

Hi - I am undergoing tests for Graves of the eyes.  My eyes are so dry and they buldge.  Are you a smoker?  Smoking makes the eye disease worse.  It is very common to have Graves of the eyes if you have Graves Thyroid disease.  My doctor told me that he would treat me with prednisone to get the swelling behind my eyes down and last resort would be surgery.  You probably need to research an eye doctor that specializes in Graves.  Where do you live?  My doctor is at Rush Hospital in Chicago.