Graves' Eye Disease - treatment?

After taking PTU to treat Graves Disease (GD) for a year, I now have the early stages of Graves' Eye Disease and I am scheduled for a thyroidectomy.

Does anyone have treatment suggestions? RAI supposedly can make the eye symptoms even worse (requires use of steroids, sometimes multiple treatments needed, etc). Also, I am hoping to avoid any actual eye surgery. Thyroidectomy seems to be the best option but I was curious. Thanks!

I met with my opthalmologist and she presented RAI or thyroidectomy as two possible treatments for starters (not necessarily a cure), I am choosing the thyroidectomy.

thank you for the great feedback!

If anyone else is interested in treatments and associated response rates, this book is excellent, google books had exerpts from it which were exactly what I was looking for!

Thyroid Eye Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment By Jonathan J. Dutton, Barrett G. Haik

You may want to discuss this very thoroughly with your doctor. I have a thyroid issue myself (opposite from yours) and steroid treatments are extremely nasty little treatments (I know I've had them off and on for years).

Graves Eye Disease is distinguished by 'bulging eyes' or swelling of the tissue around the eyes. I would consider very carefully meeting with not just your endocrinologist but a specialist in eye care for those with Graves.

Definitely consider a second opinion! I've added some hopefully helpful links in sources for you!

My mom has graves and had the thyroidectomy about 15 years ago.. her eyes are still "buggy" it has gotten worse so the thyroidectomy has nothing to do with that. You will have to be on a thyroid supplement for the rest of your life like synthroid. My uncle also was diagnosed with graves but he hasn't had the thyroidectomy and his eyes are just a little buggy .. with my mom it gets worse somedays like if she doesn't feel good... it isn't bad looking .. it's not like you look at her and wonder what is wrong with that chick.. it really is only noticable to those who know her.

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