This inflammation can push the eyes forward (“staring” or “bulging”) or cause the eyes and eyelids to become red and swollen. In some individuals, the inflammation may involve the eye muscles, causing the eyes to become out of line, leading to double vision.
What are the symptoms of Graves' eye disease? The main symptom of Graves' eye disease is bulging eyes (sometimes called proptosis). Other symptoms include: Dry, gritty, red, or irritated eyes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
TED – also known as Graves' Orbitopathy or Ophthalmopathy – is an autoimmune condition. It occurs when the body's immune system attacks the tissue surrounding the eye causing inflammation in the tissues around and behind the eye.
Hay fever, allergies, and inflammation of the conjunctiva (conjunctivitis) can also cause symptoms similar to those seen in mild thyroid eye disease.
Diagnosis and Tests
If your healthcare provider thinks that you have thyroid eye disease, they'll order blood tests to check if your thyroid hormone levels and antibodies are too high or too low. Other tests your provider may request include: Ultrasound of the eyes. Computed tomography (CT).
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.
Symptoms of Rash Due to Thyroid Disease
This itchy rash can occur on the neck, chest, back, face, and buttocks.
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.
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.
One of the biggest risks of untreated thyroid eye disease is vision loss. The most common vision problems with Graves' orbitopathy include blurriness and double vision. Colors may also appear somewhat dull.
TED begins with an acute phase, which means that symptoms appear suddenly and often get worse. The acute phase can last from 6 months to 2 years.
Corticosteroids, biologics, and surgery are among the first lines of defense for treating the disease, but there are other measures that can be used to supplement these treatments and help manage symptoms, including lifestyle habits and over-the-counter products.
As thyroidectomy removes all or nearly all thyroid tissue from the neck, this will result in a more rapid decrease in antibody production over time, which is beneficial for those with eye disease.
Besides swollen and bulging eyes, symptoms may include: A feeling of grittiness or irritation in your eyes. Redness of the white part of your eye. Pain when you move your eyes.
Blood tests will be ordered to check your thyroid hormone levels and help with diagnosing TED. These include: Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which is a hormone produced in the pituitary gland of the brain. TSH tells the thyroid gland to make thyroid hormones.
FACT: You can develop TED without having Graves' disease.
People diagnosed with TED may also be diagnosed with a different type of thyroid condition called Hashimoto's disease or Hashimoto's hypothyroidism (high-poe-thigh-roid-izm).
Ocular symptoms can range from mild to severe; but only 10-20% of patients have sight threatening disease. Another tissue that can also be involved in the immune attack of Graves' eye disease is the skin of the shins.
TED is a rare disease, which had an incidence rate of approximately 19 in 100,000 people per year in one study. The disorder characterized by enlargement of the extraocular muscles, fatty and connective tissue volume.
Thyroid Eye Disease may bring new challenges, but these tips can help you continue to live your life. The true impact of Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) goes well beyond the eyes. It can also have a big impact on all aspects of life. While these changes may not always be visible, they shouldn't be overlooked.
However, changes in the facial expressions can also be a tell-tale sign of hypothyroidism. “Facial expressions become dull, the voice is hoarse, speech is slow, eyelids droop and the eyes and face become puffy,” the MSD Manuals explains.
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.