Dry eyes link to levothyroxine?: I have dry eyes... - Thyroid UK

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Dry eyes link to levothyroxine?

Thyroidmeg profile image
15 Replies

I have dry eyes my optician noticed too. Could this be anything to do with bring on levothyroxine 200 a day?

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Thyroidmeg
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15 Replies
helen0701 profile image
helen0701

Dry eyes is one of the symptoms of hypothyroidism mine Tends to come and go, l use lacrilube at night when I need to x

Thyroidmeg profile image
Thyroidmeg in reply to helen0701

Optician said it can be hormonal in women worse at certain times of month . I only got it since thyroidectomy I have drops now

Thyroidmeg profile image
Thyroidmeg

Dr said its not related I'm in the normal tsh but I worry it is . I say I'm cold and tired then get told overweight can make u tired. Wish I felt well like I did before total thyroidectomy :(

Clarebear profile image
Clarebear

I'm not aware of a link to thyroxine, but as mentioned above it can be s symptom of hypothyroidism or under-treated hypothyroidism.

I have dry eyes for other reasons and also use Lacrilube at night but also Liquifilm tears in the day. There are lots of substitute tears available, but I find preservative free ones to be best.

Is your thyroid optimally treated? Xx

Thyroidmeg profile image
Thyroidmeg in reply to Clarebear

Dr says ok coz tsh ok

Clarebear profile image
Clarebear in reply to Thyroidmeg

What is your TSH? Ok may just mean in range but not optimal or adequate for you? xx

Thyroidmeg profile image
Thyroidmeg in reply to Clarebear

Think it's 1.7 or something like that nurse said its fine tho . She said no need to test anything except tsh !

I'm on 200 levothyroxine and I've had a tt

Clarebear profile image
Clarebear in reply to Thyroidmeg

Most people feel best when their TSH is less than 1, so I think there is scope for an increase. It would be helpful to have at least fT4 tested, but also fT3 too...

Jackie profile image
Jackie

Hi It is classified as a separate disease, if bad looked after by an eye consultant. Although it can also be Sjogrens, which is autoimmune too, That is diagnosed and looked after by a specialist Rheumatologist, not just any.It usually starts with dry eyes and then secretions all dry in body, throat especially bad.Eyes need bathing and preservative artificial tears what ever the cause.

Best wishes,

Jackie

Thyroidmeg profile image
Thyroidmeg in reply to Jackie

The eye drops help so its not too bad :)

Jackie profile image
Jackie in reply to Thyroidmeg

Hi Good, but I should have put without preservative , as ideally you take them everywhere, and use them hourly if needed.I have them on a script, preservative free can be bought but of course,price can add up if used a lot.I have a lot of eye problems. However, if you find the drops not helping much, you could bath them like I do. boiled water with tiny drop of baby soap, cotton wool bud. twice a day or when ever. If eyes do not improve or more important you develop Sjogrens, note by terrible painful ( not really sore) throat Then if diagnosed properly you can get the special mouth Gel, mouth wash and toothpaste,can be bought too. Also then the best drops without preservative. All depends how often you are using them

Best wishes,

Jackie

Thyroidmeg profile image
Thyroidmeg

I don't have the sore throat so that's good :) thanks for the tips tired eyes don't help when I'm tired already ;) I've stopped wearing contacts although e extra moist (twice the price) ones are good for special occasions.

Thanks for your advice

Mary52 profile image
Mary52 in reply to Thyroidmeg

hi, I also had dry itch eyes and GP treated with "antihistamine drops" ,( which never did any good.! wonder why?). while on holiday in Spain I seen an eye consultant privatly due to little accident , she was very through and confirmed that my eye problems were due to my thyroid......since starting to use drops/gel as needed daily, and understanding there is no cure just good routine maintainance my old peepers are fairly comfortable these days.

Mary

Thyroidmeg profile image
Thyroidmeg in reply to Mary52

Thanks mary

lucindajethol profile image
lucindajethol

Dry eyes can happen to anyone ie long use of computer can cause it. Although I take Levothyroxine I would not put it down to thyroid as I had this condition long before I started the medication. You cnn get special eye drops for the condition ask your doctor.

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