Yes, in thyroid eye disease (TED), swelling and inflammation can push the eyes forward (proptosis) and cause eyelids to pull back (retraction), making it difficult or impossible to close your eyes completely, especially during sleep, leading to dryness, irritation, and potential corneal damage. Severe cases can threaten vision, requiring treatments like eye gels at night or, in rare instances, surgery, to protect the eye's surface.
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. A great deal can be done to improve these conditions with medical treatment, although some patients will need surgery to help ease their issues.
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. Eye problems are much more common in people who have hyperthyroidism, a condition also called overactive thyroid.
Can you drive with thyroid eye disease? In the early stages before damage is done, a patient should have no trouble driving. However, there are some symptoms of hyperthyroidism that would prevent you from seeing properly when driving.
Prescription drugs or surgery to treat TED
In this case, your healthcare provider may call it Graves' eye disease. Although autoimmune diseases are lifelong, TED has distinct phases. It may be active for two years or more before the inflammation subsides. During this time, symptoms may come and go and may be mild to severe.
6 Foods to Avoid with Thyroid Eye Disease
Daily habits such as irregular sleep, skipped meals, and stress can harm thyroid function. Improving your routine can offer significant relief and support hormonal recovery.
Get Smart About Sleep
You might feel run down, even if you're taking medication. Yet all too often, “people with hypothyroidism don't get enough sleep, or the sleep they're getting isn't good quality,” Hatipoglu says. To ensure your body has a chance to rest and recover: Aim for 8 hours of sleep every night.
Is Flying Dangerous for People with TED? Flying itself is not dangerous for people with TED. However, the dryness and pressure changes might cause temporary discomfort or make your symptoms worse during the flight. Luckily, these symptoms usually improve after the flight.
Increased perspiration caused by the condition can lead to night sweats, waking the patient during the night. While hypothyroidism is commonly associated with lethargy and a desire for sleep, studies have linked an underactive thyroid to poor sleep quality, shorter sleep duration, and longer sleep onset.
Thyroid conditions are also more common in women. External examination: Observing the eyes allows the doctor to check for bulging, redness, or swelling. Internal examination: The eye doctor can measure eye pressure to evaluate glaucoma risk, which is associated with thyroid eye disease.
Wear Sunglasses. Thyroid eye disease makes your eyes sensitive to sunlight and puts them at risk of UV damage. Dark shades can block bright light and wind, which can cut down on some stinging and irritation. Wraparound sunglasses that extend some of the frame around the sides of your head will offer the most protection ...
About one in every three people with Graves' disease develop eye symptoms. While eye symptoms can occur at any time, they usually appear within the first year of diagnosis of Graves' disease. TED is usually mild and gets better on its own over time. Some cases can be quite severe and can require medications or surgery.
Hypothyroidism symptoms usually develop slowly over time. In some cases, it can take years.
In cases where there is more significant inflammation your eyes may need to be treated with steroids which aim to suppress the immune system which is affecting the tissues behind the eyes. These should help reduce redness and swelling of the eyes and the eyelids and can help with double vision,.
People with hypothyroidism (underactive), on the other hand, often experience trouble tolerating cold at night and joint or muscle pain that disrupts sleep. Some studies have linked an underactive thyroid to poor quality sleep.
Common symptoms include:
For thyroid health, the "one thing" to focus on daily is a source of iodine, found in dairy, eggs, or seafood, and selenium, best from a few Brazil nuts, both crucial for hormone production, but a balanced breakfast with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, like eggs with spinach or oatmeal with berries, provides comprehensive support, while avoiding excessive iodine or simple sugars is key.
Stress as a Trigger for Autoimmune Thyroid Disorders
Most are triggered by a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental stressors. One potential trigger is emotional stress, which can elevate cortisol levels, weakening the immune system and increasing susceptibility in those already predisposed.
Foods that may negatively impact your thyroid health
Goitrogens are found in cruciferous veggies like cabbage, cauliflower, bok choy, broccoli and soy. It is possible for goitrogens to impact thyroid health when eaten raw and in extremely large amounts and/or in those with an iodine deficiency.
Biotin (vitamin B7)
We recommend you be aware that these mega doses of biotin can sometimes result in incorrect TSH, FT4 and FT3 levels and may give a reading that suggests an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
Taking selenium supplements can help individuals who experience symptoms of thyroid eye disease. Studies have found that individuals who suffered from mild disease took this medication and experienced some decreases in the rate of progression.
Fruits Considered Harmful for Thyroid
Here are eight thyroid healing practices you can start today.