Symptoms of Graves’ Disease
Graves' disease presents symptoms caused by hyperthyroidism and also involves the eyes. In some patients, the skin is also affected.
Effects on the eyes. These are due to the inflammation or growth of the tissues surrounding the eyes, known as ophthalmopathy. The cause of this also appears to be autoimmune. The symptoms are:
A gritty sensation in the eyes.
Irritation.
Excessive watering.
Impaired vision (reduced vision or double vision).
Sensitivity to light.
Pain when moving the eyes.
Redness.
Inflammation of the eyes or protrusion (bulging) of the eyeball, known as exophthalmos.
Many patients with GBD suffer from eye irritation and redness, but only 1% develop true ophthalmopathy with permanent problems. Impaired vision usually occurs in more advanced cases.
Eye disease occurs only in hyperthyroidism caused by Graves' disease, and it starts some months before or after the onset of hyperthyroidism. In a very few cases it appears after the thyroid disease has been treated. Some patients with ocular symptoms never develop hyperthyroidism. The severity is not related to the degree of hyperthyroidism. Eye disease is much more common in patients who smoke than in non-smokers.
Effects on the skin. Skin disease is very rare and affects the legs.
It involves a painless, reddish, irregular growth of skin on the front of the legs, called pretibial myxoedema.
In general, the effect on the skin is not severe and is not related to the degree of hyperthyroidism. The cause appears to be autoimmune, just as with thyroid and eye involvement.
Signs of Graves’ Disease
A general physical examination usually reveals a large thyroid, usually diffuse, warm, clammy, thin skin, an increased heart rate, trembling hands, and increased reflexes. An area of redness and mild swelling can be seen on the front of the legs.
Substantiated information by:
Published: 11 June 2021
Updated: 11 June 2021
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