Graves' Disease

What is Graves' Disease?

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease is when the body attacks its own immune system by destroying its healthy cells and tissues. Graves' disease is a result of hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is a disorder in which the thyroid gland produces more thyroid hormone than the body needs.

The thyroid gland produces two different types of hormones. T-3(triiodothyronine) and T-4(thyroxine) which play a part in many important bodily functions and processes. Some of which include:

-metabolism

-brain developement

-body temperature

-menstrual cycles

-weight

-cholesterol levels

The production of thyroid hormone is regulated by another hormone which is called thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH). This hormone is produced by the pituitary gland which is located within the brain.

In reguards to this particular auto-immune disease, the body's immune system makes up antibodies called thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin(TSI). These antibodies attach to healthy thyroid cells and trick the body into thinking they are TSH. As a result, the thyroid gland is over stimulated and produces too much T-3 and T-4.

Common signs and symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

-nervousness or irritability

-fatigue or muscle weakness

-heat intolerance

-trouble sleeping

-hand tremors

-rapid or irregular heartbeat

-frequent BM's or diarrhea

-weight loss

-goiter(enlarged thyroid which looks like neck is swollen)

How does all of this relate to our eyes?

People who are diagnosed with Graves' disease can have a mulitple array of symptoms but one in particular is that the eyes can become or appear enlarged. So much, that the eyes look like they are bulging out from their sockets. This condition is called Graves' ophthalmopathy.

What is Graves' Ophthalmopahy?

This condition is when the immune system attacks the muscles and tissues around the eyeball itself. There is a buildup of tissue and fat behind the eye socket which causes inflammation and the bulging we can noticibly see in patients. In cases that are extremely severe, inflammation can pose a threat in which compression of the optic nerve can occur and cause vision problems or loss.

References

Information retrieved from: www.endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/graves/

Images retrieved from: www.redatlas.org/fr_index.htm?/RAPages/D/D012.htm