Factors That Increase Eye Symptoms in Graves' Disease

Risk Factors for Worsening Eye Symptoms

High free T3 and T4 levels are associated with increased risk and severity of eye symptoms in patients with Graves' disease, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology 1, 2
Male gender is associated with more severe thyroid eye disease, with a higher risk of developing severe manifestations, as reported by the American Academy of Ophthalmology 3
Family history of thyroid eye disease or other thyroid disorders increases risk of developing eye symptoms in patients with Graves' disease, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology 1, 2
Low blood selenium levels are associated with increased eye symptoms in patients with Graves' disease, as reported by the American Academy of Ophthalmology 1, 2
Diseases resulting in reduced oxygen saturation, such as emphysema, increase risk and severity of eye symptoms in patients with Graves' disease, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology 3
Prior orbital decompression surgery is associated with increased risk of strabismus in patients with thyroid eye disease, as reported by the American Academy of Ophthalmology 3

Bilateral but often asymmetric presentation of eye symptoms is common in patients with thyroid eye disease, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology 1, 2
Edema and erythema of periorbital tissues and conjunctivae are typical clinical manifestations of thyroid eye disease, as reported by the American Academy of Ophthalmology 1, 2
Upper eyelid retraction is a common clinical manifestation of thyroid eye disease, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology 1, 2
Exposure keratopathy is a potential complication of thyroid eye disease, particularly in patients with exophthalmos, as reported by the American Academy of Ophthalmology 1, 2
Extraocular muscle enlargement is a common clinical manifestation of thyroid eye disease, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology 1, 2
Proptosis (exophthalmos) is a common clinical manifestation of thyroid eye disease, as reported by the American Academy of Ophthalmology 1, 2
Compressive optic neuropathy is a potential complication of severe thyroid eye disease, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology 1, 2
Globe subluxation is a potential complication of advanced thyroid eye disease, as reported by the American Academy of Ophthalmology 1, 2

Regular assessment of visual acuity, color vision, visual fields, pupillary exam, and fundus exam is essential for early detection of optic neuropathy in patients with thyroid eye disease, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology 4
Careful monitoring for exposure keratopathy is necessary in patients with exophthalmos, as reported by the American Academy of Ophthalmology 3