Selenium is a nutrient that's important for normal thyroid hormone production. When people with mild thyroid eye disease took 100 micrograms of selenium twice a day for 6 months, the disease didn't progress as quickly as it did for those who took a placebo, according to research.
Although both selenium and vitamin D supplementation have been recommended for TED, further investigation is necessary to justify supplementation for patients with TED.
Selenium is a trace element present in some foods but many people have a mild deficiency. A randomised controlled trial has shown that 200 microgrammes (mcg) of selenium taken once daily for six months during the active inflammation phase may reduce the severity of eye disease.
Selenomethionine is the preferred form of selenium supplementation as it is the form found naturally in food and about 90% of it is absorbed. 200 micrograms each day is a safe dose as long as it is in the form of selenomethionine.
Selenium
The trace mineral selenium aids in eyesight improvement in many ways. Selenium supports general eye health. It may also prevent cataract formation and macular degeneration, as well as reduce dry eye symptoms.
Patients should stop smoking as this is known to aggravate the condition. Sunglasses may be necessary even when indoors. If double vision is not corrected, driving will be dangerous. Patients should discuss any concerns with their doctor.
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.
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.
Graves' eye disease is often mild and may go away on its own.
TED is primarily associated with an over-active thyroid gland due to Graves' disease, although it can rarely occur in patients with an under-active or normally functioning thyroid gland. About a quarter of patients with Graves' disease develop TED before, during or after the diagnosis of a thyroid disorder.
According to the Mayo Clinic, supplements such as calcium, iron, multivitamins containing iron, and antacids containing magnesium or aluminum can potentially have interactions with thyroid medications.
However, the magnesium most often recommended for hypothyroid patients is magnesium glycinate because it's the most easily absorbed. It's also far less likely to cause adverse effects -- primarily loose stools -- when compared to other forms of magnesium.
Vitamin D supplementation may help lessen the risk of developing thyroid eye disease (TED), and thus potential eye damage, in patients with Graves' disease.
Fruits: Apples, Pears and Citrus
Apples, pears, plums and citrus fruits are abundant with pectins, which help with detoxifying the body of mercury – one of the most critical metals that have been connected to thyroid problems.
Cruciferous vegetables – Vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, kale and Brussels sprouts can inhibit the production of thyroid hormone. This is especially common in those who have an iodine deficiency. Digesting these vegetables can block the ability to absorb iodine, which is needed for normal thyroid function.
Treatment options for people living with TED have long-included topical eye drops or gels, orbital radiation to target inflammation, or steroids to provide symptom relief – options that have addressed the symptoms of TED, but not the underlying cause.
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.
TED is a progressive disease, which means it can get worse over time. Bulging eyes and eyelid swelling may occur as TED progresses. Eye swelling can make it hard to move the eyes. All these effects can lead to vision impairment, including double vision.
You should not take selenium without talking to your doctor if: You have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) You have had skin cancer. You are at risk for skin cancer.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A and vision make potent allies. Carrots contain lots of beta carotene and Vitamin A, which can contribute to your eyes' health and may provide a fantastic source of eye vitamins for macular degeneration and cataracts.