Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the thyroid by mistake and causes it to become overactive. This is known as hyperthyroidism. The overactive thyroid makes more thyroid hormone than your body needs, which can cause a number of health problems such as heart complications and weaker bones.

Have Graves’ disease and eye symptoms? You may also have a different condition called Thyroid Eye Disease (TED).

Graves’ disease can be diagnosed through:

• Physical exam
• Blood samples to test the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone
• Radioactive iodine uptake to measure the rate at which the thyroid absorbs iodine. This can show if the thyroid is overactive or underactive 
• Imaging tests such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or magnetic resonance imagery (MRI)

Did you know that up to 50% of people with Graves’ disease will also develop Thyroid Eye Disease (TED)?

Many of the factors that cause Graves’ disease are still unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Graves’ disease can affect the body in many ways, including:

• Feeling tired
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Irritability and anxiety
• Frequent bowel movements
• Trouble sleeping
• Weight loss
• Sensitivity to heat

If you have Graves’ disease and eye symptoms, you may have Thyroid Eye Disease (TED). Observing and tracking your symptoms is important, but you have to know what to watch for.

There are currently 3 ways doctors are treating Graves’ disease:

• Radioactive iodine, also known as radioiodine
• Antithyroid medicines
• Surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid

Graves’ disease itself is not fatal, but can cause serious health problems, including heart disease and weaker bones.

Did you know that up to 50% of people with Graves’ disease will develop Thyroid Eye Disease (TED)?

It is not known whether Graves’ disease can be cured, but it can be managed with regular treatment.

People who have a family history of Graves’ disease have a higher risk of developing it. However, not everyone who has a family history of Graves’ disease will get it.

Did you know Graves’ disease is a risk factor for developing Thyroid Eye Disease?

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid by mistake, causing it to become overactive and make too much thyroid hormone.

Many people with Graves’ disease also develop another autoimmune condition called Thyroid Eye Disease.

Graves’ eye disease, also known as Thyroid Eye Disease, describes the separate eye disease that up to 50% of patients with Graves’ disease may develop.

If you have Graves’ disease and also have eye symptoms, you may have TED.

The sooner you spot TED symptoms, the better. Observe and track your symptoms and tell your doctor about all of them.

If you have Graves’ disease, you may notice changes to your eyes. These changes can include dry, gritty eyes, watery eyes, and even bulging eyes.

These symptoms are likely caused by a separate eye condition called Thyroid Eye Disease (TED). Up to 50% of people with Graves’ disease will develop TED.

Learn more about what causes bulging eyes in TED.

Do you have Graves’ disease? You may be at a higher risk for developing Thyroid Eye Disease (TED). Learn the symptoms of TED so you can spot them.