What is Graves' disease?
Graves' disease is a disorder of the immune system that affects thyroid, skin and eye in the body. Though it may occur in any age in both the sexes, it is generally more common in females in the age group 20 to 60 years.
Normally the immune system in the body makes antibodies, which have a role in protecting the body from viruses, bacteria and other foreign substances. In graves' disease the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, eyes and skin of the lower limb, causing the symptoms.
What are the manifestations of graves' disease?
As explained above, this disease affects thyroid gland, skin and eyes. Thyroid is a gland located in the neck region and is responsible for secreting a hormone that controls the metabolism and growth of the body. In graves' disease the secretion of thyroid gland is generally increased by the antibodies, leading to a condition known as hyperthyroidism. The symptoms of this condition are:
• Increase in appetite
• Loss of weight
• Poor heat tolerance
• Irregular heart beat, pounding of heart
• Changes in menstrual pattern
Some people with Graves' disease suffer from an irritating skin condition. Skin over the shins appears red and swollen. The top of the feet also may be affected in this way.
How can this disease affect the eyes?
Graves' disease also affects the eye and leads to a condition known as Graves' ophthalmopathy. Eye symptoms and hyperthyroidism symptoms usually appear within 18 months of each other. It generally involves both eyes, though even one eye may be involved.
The antibodies act on the tissues behind the eyeball. These get inflamed and attract and hold water. This leads to swelling of tissues and muscles, causing the eyeball to protrude forwards and also leads to some decrease in mobility of the eyeball. The symptoms of this condition therefore are:
• Proptosis (protrusion of the eyeball forwards)
• Widening of the space between the eyelids
• Redness of the eyes
• Excess tearing and discomfort
• Blurring or double vision
• Decreased movements of eyes
Can it cause serious damage to the eyes?
Besides causing inconvenience in form of decreased movement and double vision, graves' ophthalmopathy may also lead to serious vision threatening complications. These are:
Damage to the cornea (the transparent portion of the eye): Protrusion of the eyeball and the widening of the opening of the eyelids leads to inadequate closure of the eyes during blinking and sleep. This leads to drying up and opacification of the cornea.
Damage to the optic nerve: The swelling in the tissues behind the eyeball may compress the optic nerve as it passes through it. This may lead to a serious loss of vision if not treated promptly.
Therefore whenever one has a symptom of irritation, excess tearing or decrease in vision, an ophthalmologist must be consulted. These two conditions may warrant an urgent treatment with medicines, radiation therapy or even orbital decompression surgery.
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Grave's disease
