Dry eyes -- feeling gritty and sore, itching, or burning -- can be related to problems with your thyroid gland. Sometimes they may be the first sign of a thyroid disease.
In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. Tear production is reduced. Don't forget that tears help to protect, moisten, lubricate and even clean the eyes. If insufficient tears are produced, the eyes will become dry and symptoms of dry eye may appear.
So, early diagnosis and treatment is important to prevent the condition from worsening. For mild TED, artificial tear drops will help with dry eye relief. Selenium supplements can also be beneficial. For severe TED, steroids and/or orbital radiotherapy may be considered.
Hypothyroidism usually isn't linked to eye disease. In severe cases, however, hypothyroidism may cause swelling around the eyes. It also may cause a loss of hair in the outer part of the eyebrows.
Thyroid diseases cause the gland to produce too much or too little of these hormones. These diseases cause a range of symptoms, some of which affect the eyes. Doctors refer to this as “thyroid eye disease” (TED). Dry eye is a condition in which the eyes do not make enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly.
Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism can show up in the hands and nails. Hypothyroidism can cause dermatologic findings such as nail infection, vertical white ridges on the nails, nail splitting, brittle nails, slow nail growth, and nails lifting up.
About 90% of patients with TED have hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism and TED are due to the same underlying autoimmune process. In the active phase of TED, fluctuations in the levels of thyroid hormone (both underactive as well as overactive) can lead to progression of TED.
Although both selenium and vitamin D supplementation have been recommended for TED, further investigation is necessary to justify supplementation for patients with TED.
Smoking is the biggest external factor known to make the disease worse and it is important for affected people to stop smoking immediately. deteriorating vision or worsening prominence – medications such as steroids or steroid-like medications (immunosuppressive treatment) are used to reduce the swelling.
TEPEZZA reduces eye bulging and double vision. It also improves the signs and symptoms of Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), including eye pain, redness, and swelling. TEPEZZA is a prescription medicine used to treat TED.
One of the rarer side effects of Synthroid is that it may cause blurred or double vision and eye pain. These symptoms may stem from swelling caused by taking too much thyroid hormone or an adverse reaction to the medication, like an allergic reaction.
To diagnose thyroid eye disease, you will need a complete eye exam, lab tests, and imaging tests. The ophthalmologist will test your vision, color vision, and visual fields. In addition, eyelid measurements will be taken, eye pressure tested, and optic nerve checked.
Eye problems will usually occur and frequently change in type or severity for between six months and two years. Once stabilized, it is unusual for the eyes to start changing again. Some patients are left with permanent changes, and in others the eyes return to normal.
Metastatic tumors to the extraocular muscles may also mimic thyroid eye disease, although these lesions are usually associated with other orbital and bony metastases.
But what if that tongue has wavy edges that look like the edges of a pie crust? You could have a condition known as scalloped tongue. It's a known sign of hypothyroidism and other underlying health conditions. Ahead, we'll look at the ins and outs of scalloped tongue and the connection to hypothyroidism.
Some experts recommend that everyone with hypothyroidism supplement with magnesium because a slowdown with your thyroid gland changes how your body metabolizes and eliminates this vital mineral.
Consequently, in patients suffering from thyroid eye disease, a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet should limit intake of carbohydrates, especially simple sugars, dairy and protein as much as possible. A good anti-inflammatory diet should avoid simple sugars/carbohydrates and processed foods.
Avoid taking your thyroid hormone at the same time as:
Iron supplements or multivitamins containing iron. Calcium supplements. Antacids that contain aluminum, magnesium or calcium. Some ulcer medications, such as sucralfate (Carafate)
The most common sign of TED is upper eyelid retraction, unilateral or bilateral, that occurs in over 90% of patients12,13 (Figure 1). The resultant wide-eyed appearance allows for chronic eye exposure, especially during sleep. Foreign body sensation, dryness, and tearing occur initially.
People with hypothyroidism may also have headaches, including pulsing pain, on both sides of the head. In most cases, the headaches subside after the person receives effective treatment for hypothyroidism. either or both of the following: significant, simultaneous worsening of the headaches and hypothyroidism.
Even mild cases of hypothyroidism may increase the risk of weight gain and obesity. People with the condition often report having a puffy face as well as excess weight around the stomach or other areas of the body.
You may feel nervous, moody, weak, or tired. Your hands may shake, your heart may beat fast, or you may have problems breathing. You may be sweaty or have warm, red, itchy skin. You may have more bowel movements than usual.
You have joint and muscle aches/pains
General joint and muscle pains are common when hypothyroidism is not sufficiently treated, and your dosage of thyroid hormone needs to be increased.