Final answer:
The false statement about eyelid retraction is that it is a normal physiological condition. Eyelid retraction is often associated with hyperthyroidism and Graves' disease, and it can be treated with medication or other therapies to manage the thyroid condition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that is false regarding eyelid retraction is: 4) Eyelid retraction is a normal physiological condition. Eyelid retraction is not a normal condition; rather, it is typically a clinical manifestation associated with certain thyroid-related issues.
Eyelid retraction can indeed be caused by hyperthyroidism, particularly Graves' disease, which is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in the United States. With Graves' disease, the immune system produces thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin, which can lead to the overproduction of thyroid hormone. The symptoms include heat intolerance, rapid heartbeat, weight loss, and goiter as well as eyelid retraction and exophthalmos (proptosis), both of which are indicative of Graves' ophthalmopathy.
Treatment for eyelid retraction can involve medication to manage the underlying thyroid condition. Anti-thyroid drugs may be used to reduce thyroid hormone production, and in some cases, surgery or radioactive iodine therapy may be necessary to treat the overactive thyroid gland, which can alleviate the symptoms of eyelid retraction.