Alleviating Symptoms of Graves Ophthalmopathy With CBD

Graves’ disease affects many parts of the human body, but a symptom that affects a Graves’ patient’s eyes, making them appear swollen and prominent, may be the most noticeable to other people.

Interestingly, researchers have noted that the mood of thyroid eye disease patients is affected more so than patients who do not have Graves’ ophthalmopathy. Using natural treatments like CBD for pain management, soreness when moving the eyes, and mood swings may decrease the symptoms that make these patients the most uncomfortable.

What Is Graves’ Ophthalmopathy?

Graves’ ophthalmopathy is often referred to as simply “thyroid eye disease”, as the condition results from the autoimmune attack on the thyroid, which in turn affects the eyes by causing swelling, pressure, and pain around the orbital sockets. This results in symptoms of Graves’ ophthalmopathy like waxy-looking skin and swollen, bulging eyes that can look large and “surprised”. Because the thyroid receptor cells behind the eyes are a common target of Graves’ disease, this eye condition is a reliable diagnostic marker, in addition to blood tests, for practitioners looking for symptoms of Graves’.

Can CBD Improve the Mood of Patients with Graves Ophthalmopathy?

Though one may not readily connect thyroid eye disease itself to mood disturbance, a study of 48 patients with Graves’ ophthalmopathy found that increased mood abnormalities existed in Graves’ ophthalmopathy patients. CBD, like cannabis, is thought to improve mood in patients with anxiety and depression; however, CBD, or cannabidiol, does not contain psychoactive components of cannabis like THC.

CBD is generally thought to be safe and its use is legal in most states. It is possible, when taken with the necessary medications for Graves’ disease, that CBD could provide a useful tool in managing this autoimmune condition and its resulting symptoms that can interfere with a patient’s life on a daily basis.