How is Graves' disease linked to the eyes?

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that primarily causes hyperthyroidism, but it is also closely associated with ocular manifestations, the most notable being Graves' ophthalmopathy. This condition results from inflammation and swelling of the eye muscles and surrounding tissues, which can lead to the characteristic bulging of the eyes, known as exophthalmos.

In Graves' ophthalmopathy, the immune system mistakenly attacks the tissues behind the eyes, causing them to expand and resulting in the eyes protruding forward. This change can affect not only the appearance of the eyes but can also lead to discomfort, vision changes, and, in severe cases, vision loss if left untreated. The direct link between Graves' disease and eye involvement underscores the importance of monitoring ocular symptoms in patients diagnosed with this condition.

While other options mention symptoms related to eyes, they do not capture the distinct and specific relationship that exists between Graves' disease and the development of exophthalmos through Graves' ophthalmopathy.