Are Your Eyes In Grave Danger?

Written by John O'Sullivan on October 8, 2020. Posted in Current News

Few people realize how essential eye examinations can be as part of preventative health care for more than just your eyesight.

Take for example a condition called Graves’ Disease that affects 0.5 percent of males and 3 percent of females. You probably haven’t heard of it but you probably have seen the obvious sign someone has it.

The disease often occurs between the ages of 40 and 60 but can begin at any age. The condition attacks the thyroid and is the the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in the United States (about 50 to 80 percent of cases).

Named after Irish surgeon Robert Graves, who described it in 1835, the signs and symptoms may include irritability, muscle weakness, sleeping problems, a fast heartbeat, poor tolerance of heat, diarrhea and unintentional weight loss.

Also, look out for thickening of the skin on the shins, known as pretibial myxedema, and eye bulging, a condition caused by Graves’ ophthalmopathy. Around 25 to 80 percent of cases will develop eye problems.

Causes

Graves’ disease is caused by a malfunction in the body’s disease-fighting immune system. It’s unknown why this happens.

The immune system normally produces antibodies designed to target a specific virus, bacterium or other foreign substance. In Graves’ disease — for reasons that aren’t well understood — the immune system produces an antibody to one part of the cells in the hormone-producing gland in the neck (thyroid gland).

Sherwood Shea is the Chairman of The Robert James Graves Foundation SCIO. Graves’ Disease and is also a sufferer of this autoimmune disorder. He explains:

“It has many different symptoms. For example, I started with having tremors in my hands, this resulted in various misdiagnosis’, everything from Parkinson’s to alcoholism. But eventually, I was diagnosed with having Graves’ Disease. This disease affects 1 in 10 people.

So, it’s very likely that someone that you know may be suffering from the disease and be totally unaware of it. Take a look at this link:- https://www.rjgfoundation.com/misdiagnosis The Robert James Graves’ Foundation aims to promote awareness of the disease, raise funds for scientific research, for the education, alleviation, care, treatment, and cure of Graves’ disease.

We are holding an online auction, starting on Monday 16th November. would ask if you would consider making either a donation or, putting an item up for auction for the charity event. 

Any donation to such a charity is also tax-deductible. Please note that any donations, however small, are most appreciated. Kindest regards, Sherwood Shea Chairman of The Robert James Graves’ Foundation SCIO Registered Charity No: SC045669 www.rjgfoundation.com 0141 474 80012″

Never Overlook Your Eye Sight Test

Have you had an eye test in recent years? If not, you should, especially if you are over 40. Did you know that many people first learn they have serious health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and even cancer from — yes, you guessed it — a routine eye exam.

Don’t put it off — schedule an eye exam today

Even if you think you have perfect vision, an annual eye exam can be one of the best things you can do to protect the overall health and wellness of you and your loved ones.

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