New diagnosis of thyroid eye disease

[cjrsquared]

Have had sore eyes for several years swollen red left eye in last 24 hours. I had a TT last year for Ca? My query I have just transitioned to liothyronine from levothyroxine prior to going hypothyroid for a check scan on the 23rd Feb, would the fluctuating amount of T3 and T4 in my body provoked my auto immune system into this acute episode? I never had Graves but know that TED can be present on its own. Any advice on how to limit this acute episode to minimise any long term damage and disfigurement would be appreciated.

Many thanks.

[Fruitandnutcase]

I would start using some sort of lubricating eye drops to stop your eyes drying out. Make sure whatever you use is free from preservatives and use them really frequently throughout the day. I like ones called Hyco San - I get them from the optician - they are easy to put in but quite expensive - they do something similar on prescription though so you might be able to persuade your GP to prescribe them for you. If you want something a bit more 'gunky' for night time look for gel tears or something thicker than the drops, again make sure you ask for preservative free.

You should wring a face cloth out under a hot tap - hot but don't burn yourself! Hold that over both eyes, believe me it feels wonderful, you can do it regularly too, you can buy a thing called an Eye Bag that you pop into the microwave for 30 seconds or so and lie with that over your eyes, I've got one but the hot damp face cloth is just as good. I also have a cheap facial sauna and I sometimes steam my face which is good too.

I've got Graves but I was having problems for a good while before being diagnosed with it - I had really dry sore eyes - it felt like someone had punched me in the face , like my eyes were being sucked into their sockets - and blurred, vertical sort of double vision - more like an image and a half rather than two complete images. My eye muscles would feel stiff and horrible too.

I find though that when I use eye drops the symptoms go and my eyes feel good unfortunately, me being me, I gradually get fed up putting in eye drops until it all starts again.

[annie-7]

Hi, I have had sore dry eyes for years and have tried a lot of eye drops/ointments.

I have just had something prescribed called HYLO TEAR, so far this is the most effective and I find it easy to use and very soothing. It is also preservative free.