Eye problems, known as thyroid eye disease or Graves' ophthalmopathy, affect around 1 in 3 people with an overactive thyroid caused by Graves' disease. Problems can include: eyes feeling dry and gritty. sensitivity to light.
Thyroid eye disease is a condition in which the eye muscles, eyelids, tear glands and fatty tissues behind the eye become inflamed. This can cause the eyes and eyelids to become red, swollen and uncomfortable and the eyes can be pushed forward ('staring' or 'bulging' eyes).
In some people, an eye problem known as Graves' ophthalmopathy may develop if hypothyroidism develops after treatment for Graves' disease — the most common form of overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Graves' ophthalmopathy can cause eye discomfort, protruding eyeballs and vision changes.
Diagnosis and Tests
A healthcare provider will be able to diagnose thyroid eye disease by doing a physical eye exam. They will be able to examine both your eyelids and your eyes.
Early symptoms of thyroid eye disease are itching, watering or dry eyes and a feeling of grittiness of the eyes. Some people may notice a swelling around the eyelids and sometimes the front of the eye becomes swollen.
Autoimmune thyroid conditions can sometimes cause dry eye and other eye symptoms. It can occur when thyroid antibodies cause the immune system to attack tissues and muscles around the eyes. This is most commonly seen in people with Grave's disease, but people with Hashimoto's can experience dry eye as well.
Is dizziness a symptom of a thyroid problem? Yes, dizziness is a symptom of a thyroid problem. Thyroid diseases³ or thyroid abnormalities sometimes manifest as dizziness. A high heart rate, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness are all possible symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Low thyroid hormone levels may contribute to depression and sadness. Thyroid hormones control our body's metabolism and energy production. Without proper levels, mental health symptoms such as depression, anxiety, mood swings, and brain fog may become more noticeable.
Usually, an underactive thyroid does not lead to eye problems. Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, can be caused by a condition called Graves' disease, which can affect the eyes.
Several risk factors have been identified in the development of TED including genetics and family history, sex (women are at a higher risk than men), cigarette smoking, and treatment with radioactive iodine treatment.
Some patients are left with permanent changes, and in others the eyes return to normal. A great deal can be done to improve these conditions with medical treatment, although some patients will need surgery to help ease their issues.
It's caused by Graves' disease, and it's also called GED, Graves' ophthalmopathy, or thyroid eye disease (TED). Graves' eye disease is often mild and may go away on its own. It doesn't usually cause vision loss, but it may cause double vision and other symptoms. Treatments can help with these symptoms.
For example, hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) can help to increase chemical deposits in the group of vessels that bring blood to and from the eye. This can lead to an increase in pressure within the eyeball, which is a main symptom of glaucoma.
Thyroid disorders can have a noticeable impact on your energy level and mood. Hypothyroidism tends to make people feel tired, sluggish, and depressed. Hyperthyroidism can cause anxiety, problems sleeping, restlessness, and irritability.
But those with symptoms can experience a puffy face, sluggishness, weight gain, feeling cold, a slowed heart rate, constipation, depression, and thinning hair. Not everyone has the same symptoms, so make sure to talk with your health care provider if you think you have hypothyroidism.
If your thyroid gland isn't working quite right, this could lead to lots of problems. Your thyroid produces important hormones that regulate many functions in your body. If your thyroid is having problems, you could experience weight gain, a lack of energy, mood challenges, and other symptoms.
An overactive thyroid may also lead to night sweats and frequent urges to urinate, both of which can disrupt sleep. People with hypothyroidism (underactive), on the other hand, often experience trouble tolerating cold at night and joint or muscle pain that disrupts sleep.
The mucous membranes in your sinuses are home to thyroid hormone receptors. If the level of thyroid hormones in your system is too low, these receptors may cause non-allergic rhinitis, in which your mucous glands swell and your body overproduces connective tissue, blocking up your nasal passages.
TED and Graves' disease are both autoimmune disorders. That means your body's immune system attacks your own tissue by mistake. In Graves' disease, your thyroid is affected. When you have Thyroid Eye Disease, it affects the muscle and fat behind your eyes.
Risk Factors
Women are five to six times more likely than men to get the disease. Cigarette smokers are at significantly increased risk to develop the disease, and when they do, often have more severe and prolonged activity that threatens vision.
The active phase, marked by inflammation, usually lasts from six months to two years. The focus during this stage is on medical treatment to relieve the eye symptoms. During the second phase, or the stable phase, inflammation and other symptoms have subsided.