8 Strategies to Lessen Graves’ Eye Disease Symptoms

Essential lifestyle tips and medical advice to help manage the discomfort and protect your vision when living with Graves’ eye disease.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 25, 2025

Essential lifestyle tips and medical advice to help manage the discomfort and protect your vision when living with Graves’ eye disease.

8 Things to Do to Lessen Graves’ Eye Disease Symptoms

Graves’ eye disease, also known as Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), is a condition often associated with Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder causing the immune system to attack the thyroid gland and other tissues behind the eyes. While some experience mild symptoms that resolve on their own, others may endure ongoing discomfort. Below are effective strategies for symptom management, protective lifestyle tips, and medical therapies designed to keep your eyes healthy and improve daily comfort.

Understanding Graves’ Eye Disease

Graves’ eye disease results in swelling, dry eyes, irritation, and sometimes bulging (proptosis). Common symptoms include:

Dry, gritty, or red eyes
Puffy eyelids
Difficulty closing eyelids fully
Double vision or blurred vision
Sensitivity to light
Pain or pressure behind the eyes
Trouble moving the eyes

It’s estimated that about one in three people with Graves’ disease will develop these eye-related symptoms. The severity can vary and some cases may only need home care, while others will benefit from medical intervention.

1. Wear Sunglasses or Special Lenses

Light sensitivity (photophobia) is extremely common in Graves’ eye disease due to bulging eyes and incomplete lid closure. Wearing sunglasses provides:

Protection against glare and bright outdoor light
Shielding from dust and wind that can irritate exposed eyes
UV protection to lower the risk of further eye surface damage
Prism lenses can correct double vision and help you see more clearly

Always choose wraparound sunglasses or glasses with side shields for maximum coverage.

2. Use Artificial Tears

Dryness and surface discomfort are frequent complaints. Artificial tears and lubricating ointments help maintain moisture. Options include:

Preservative-free artificial tears (use frequently, even hourly if needed)
Lubricating ointments (ideal for night use)
Moisture chamber goggles for consistent hydration

If standard artificial tears aren’t relieving the symptoms, consult your doctor about gels or ointments specifically designed for intense dryness.

3. Quit Smoking

Smoking has a direct negative impact on Graves’ eye disease, increasing its severity and slowing the healing process. Benefits of quitting include:

Lowering risk of disease progression
Better response to treatment
Boosting overall immune function

Tobacco use is a major aggravator—your eye doctor may offer guidance or resources, including smoking cessation programs, to support you in quitting.

4. Raise the Head of Your Bed

Puffy eyelids and periorbital swelling worsen overnight due to fluid pooling. Elevate your head during sleep for relief:

Raise the head of your bed by a few inches using blocks, or use an extra pillow
Helps reduce morning eyelid puffiness and is a simple at-home strategy

This position assists fluid drainage and can help ease discomfort.

5. Take Supplements After Medical Advice

Certain supplements may support thyroid health and mitigate inflammation. Always consult your physician before using the following:

Selenium: Some research suggests selenium can help reduce mild TED symptoms, especially in areas with low selenium intake.
General multivitamins or vitamin D: Address deficiencies related to thyroid health

Do not self-prescribe supplements—interactions with medications or thyroid status should be considered.

6. Try a Cool Compress

Applying a cool, clean compress to closed eyes several times daily can:

Reduce swelling
Soothe irritated muscles and tissues
Ease discomfort from inflammation

Be sure compresses are not too cold or pressed directly on the bulging eye.

7. Avoid Extra Irritation

Minimizing exposure to irritants is crucial. Tips include:

Limit time in wind, dry air, or smoke
Use a humidifier at home to moisten ambient air
Stay away from strong cleaning chemicals or environmental pollutants
Don’t rub your eyes, which can worsen dryness and redness

Manage your work and home environments to minimize exposure and maintain comfort.

8. Talk With Your Doctor: Medical Treatments and Surgery

If lifestyle changes or over-the-counter solutions don’t help, speak with your eye care professional about medical and surgical options.

Treatment	Purpose
Steroid medication (oral or injected)	Reduce inflammation and swelling
Teprotumumab (Tepezza)	FDA-approved for Graves’ eye disease; specifically reduces eye bulging and symptoms
Radiation therapy	Minimizes inflammation in severe cases
Orbital decompression surgery	Enlarges the eye socket for vision-threatening pressure or misalignment
Eye muscle surgery	Realigns eyes to correct double vision (may require multiple procedures)
Eyelid surgery	Repositions eyelids for better moisture retention, improved appearance, and comfort
Prism glasses	Alleviate double vision for daily activities

Treatment choice depends on the severity, symptom persistence, and vision impact. Many therapies are outpatient procedures and can dramatically improve quality of life.

Outlook for Graves’ Eye Disease

Most people with Graves’ eye disease experience improvement in symptoms over time, especially with proper management. Early intervention ensures better outcomes and minimizes risk of persistent vision loss. Long-term prognosis is favorable for mild cases, while moderate to severe cases need ongoing ophthalmologic care.

Symptoms can last 1–2 years, but often gradually resolve
Vision-threatening cases are rare when treated promptly
Annual eye exams are important for staying ahead of complications

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the earliest signs of Graves’ eye disease?

Early signs often include dryness, redness, swelling, light sensitivity, and a sensation of pressure behind the eyes.

Can Graves’ eye disease cause blindness?

Though rare, severe swelling may compress the optic nerve, potentially leading to vision loss if left untreated. Prompt medical intervention is crucial.

How long do symptoms usually last?

Most symptoms persist for 1–2 years, but many cases resolve with treatment and lifestyle adjustments. Chronic or severe cases may require long-term management.

Are there permanent solutions for bulging eyes?

Surgical options such as orbital decompression and eyelid surgery can reposition tissues and provide lasting improvements for those with persistent eye bulging.

Is double vision always permanent?

Double vision can often be corrected through prism glasses, surgical realignment, or physical therapy depending on the extent of muscle involvement.

When to See a Doctor

If you notice sudden vision loss or rapid changes in symptoms
If dryness, pain, or swelling do not respond to self-care
If your ability to perform daily tasks is affected

Early diagnosis and partnership with your healthcare team—including endocrinologists and ophthalmologists—is the key to protecting your vision and maintaining a good quality of life with Graves’ eye disease.

Key Lifestyle Tips for Daily Comfort

Monitor humidity levels indoors to prevent exacerbation of dryness
Take regular breaks from screens and reading
Maintain routine checkups and communicate changes to your doctor
Incorporate antioxidant-rich foods and balanced nutrition

Graves’ eye disease can be managed with a combination of home care, lifestyle modification, and medical therapies. Stay proactive, listen to your symptoms, and seek professional guidance as needed for a healthier future.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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