In diagnosing Graves' disease, a physician will review the patient's medical history and perform a physical examination. The patient will be asked to swallow while the physician examines the thyroid gland for changes. The physician also will look for signs such as tremor in the fingers when they are extended and changes in the eyes.

Changes in certain vital signs (pulse, rate of breathing) may indicate an increased heart rate. Blood pressure may be high, particularly systolic pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading).

Graves’ disease can also be diagnosed with an imaging test called a radioactive iodine uptake and scan.

Methods of diagnosing and treating Graves' disease are similar to those of diagnosing and treating hyperthyroidism. Treatment may involve medications such as radioactive iodine, antithyroid drugs or beta blockers. Some patients, such as those with large goiters, may require thyroid surgery.

In addition to the types of blood tests used for hyperthyroidism, patients suspected of having Graves' disease may receive a blood test known as a thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) test. For example, this test is often used in patients who have eye problems that appear to be related to Graves' disease but who also have normal thyroid function. The test can also be useful in pregnant patients and those in whom a radioactive scan cannot be performed.

Graves' ophthalmopathy usually can be diagnosed visually by looking for the characteristic bulging of a patient's eyes. Mild cases of this disorder may be treated with self-care techniques. These include avoiding wind and bright lights and using over-the-counter substances (e.g., artificial tears, lubricating gels).

Symptoms can be treated with cool compresses to the eyes or lubricating eye drops. Wearing sunglasses can protect the eyes from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Elevating the head of the bed can reduce blood flow to the head, which in turn reduces pressure on the eyes. Patients who experience swelling of the skin may benefit from over-the-counter hydrocortisone or triamcinolone creams. Patients are advised not to use any medication without first consulting a physician.

More significant cases of Graves' ophthalmopathy may require prescription medications or surgery. Prescription corticosteroids, a class of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs, can be used to reduce swelling behind the eyes. Possible risks of long-term use of corticosteroids include diabetes, osteoporosis, glaucoma and cataracts.

Severe cases of Graves' ophthalmopathy may require surgery. Orbital decompression surgery involves removal of the bone between the eye socket and sinuses to improve vision and provide room for the eyes to return to their normal position. Eye muscle surgery involves cutting a muscle from an eye and reattaching it farther back. This can reduce double vision caused by Graves' ophthalmopathy. Surgery also may be used to reposition the eyelids so that they better cover the surface of the eye. This helps prevent the eyes from tearing excessively.

In some cases, double vision associated with Graves' ophthalmopathy is treated by adding prisms to a patient's prescription lenses to help force the eyes to work together. These can either be ground into the prescription itself or temporarily pasted on to the lenses.

Graves' dermopathy can be treated with over-the-counter creams or ointments that contain hydrocortisone. Compression wraps worn around the legs also may help reduce symptoms.

There is no known way to prevent Graves' disease.