What is Grave's Disease (GD)? Who gets GD? GD in Chilhood/Pregnancy Symptoms Laboratory Tests Treatment Options Alternative Med Radioiodine Ablation Autoimmune Thyroid Disease Graves' Ophthalmopathy aka Thyroid Eye Disease Subclinical Hyperthyroidism Subclinical Hypothyroidism Hashitoxicosis Goiter Lymphoma Other Autoimmune Diseases Environmental Causes Nutrient Deficiencies Provocative Links Favorite Links My Graves Disease Book My Articles on Suite 101 Sign My Guest Book View My Guest Book Contact Me About Me

Graves' Ophthalmopathy aka Thyroid Eye Disease With sophisticated imaging tests, nearly all GD patients show evidence of ocular changes. However, clinically significant GO only occurs in 10% to 25% of GD patients. Of these, only 5% have severe GO. Read about the pathology, symptoms, signs, development & treatment of GO in my Grave Disease book's 30 page chapter on GO and also in my Thyroid Eye Disease book, released in 2003. Graves' ophthalmopathy generally develops within 18 months of thyroid symptoms, although it may occur before the thyroid disease emerges. It may also occur in the absence of thyroid symptoms in a condition called euthyroid Graves' disease. Graves' Ophthalmopathy (GO) runs an independent course, occurring before hyperthyroidism in 20% of patients, simultaneously in 40%, and after symptoms of hyperthyroidism develop in 40% of patients. Smokers are 7.7 times more likely to develop GO than nonsmokers. There are 2 variations of GO, an autoimmune induced congestive infiltration and a spastic or staring disorder caused by excess thyroid hormone. Eye symptoms are classified by a system called NOSPECS with class 0 = no symptoms and class 6 = sight loss due to optic nerve compression. A short course of steroids often helps symptoms of GO, although when used at higher doses, symptoms may return in full force when the steroids are discontinued. Natural methods used to slow down the immune system, including dietary changes, can also help reduce symptoms. My Book: Thyroid Eye Disease: Understanding Graves' Ophthalmopathy What is Graves' Ophthalmopathy? Good Explanation of GD & GO by IndiaMart Baylor University's GO Site Intellithealth's GO web pages RAI Exacerbates GO Improvement With Antioxidants All about Diplopia (Double Vision) How Free Fatty Acids Help Dry Eye Syndrome Orbital Decompression Surgery Euthyroid Graves' Disease GO Eye Signs,including NOSPECS; Excellent GO Site NEJM article on GD treatment as a cause of GO About.com article on GO Euthyroid GD and TSI TFA's GO page-includes euthyroid Graves' disease This site is for educational purposes only and is not intented as a substitute for medical treatment. This is a private site. Visitor information is not shared with any other groups or organizations. Copyright 2004, Elaine Moore.