Hi, Just wondering if anyone is having eye problems or if there are known links to non functioning thyroid and extremely dry eyes, ingrown eyelashes, and also I have recently had it confirmed I have dry malacular degeneration in both eyes, plus cateracts starting. Needless to say, am not currently feeling that the future is very bright -yes, the sad pun is intended!!! I just about have my sense of humour still. Just wondering if others have any of these conditions and how they are coping, anything that helps etc etc.
thyroid and eye problems; any link?: Hi, Just... - Thyroid UK
thyroid and eye problems; any link?
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linzee3
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shawsAdministrator
On the following link you will see there are a number of conditions that can affect our eyes when hypo:-
thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...
Thank you. I am aware that thyroid issues can cause dry eyes etc. . I personally know how annoying and painful they can be, but right now I am more interested in the more serious issue of permanent sightloss including blindness which can be partial or total, which is caused by the macular degeneration, and wondering if any link to thyroid is known for this condition, and if anyone on this forum is dealing with this particular condition.
Low folate or lack of green leafy vegetables may be a contributory factor to drusen which is the precurser to macular degeneration. There is some research to suggest that a combination of vitamins may prevent macular degeneration.
I was told by the optician that I had drusen. Since then I've checked folate and it was low so I've supplemented with B vitamins and the optician couldn't see a problem at the last check so perhaps it made a difference?
Thyroid patients sometimes have low nutritional levels so there could be an indirect link. Check your nutrient levels.
Check the macular society for information.
rnib.org.uk/your-guide-age-...
info on B vitamins and eye health
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...
Hi, and thank you.I will read the links. I may have already visited them, as spent last night wading though all sorts of info online. I do have a good healthy real food diet, though I also include some bought cake or biscuits, usually in phases ie not always- maybe for a fortnight at a time, til I feel a bit more padded than usual!! Had my bloods tested very recently - within the month, and no shortage of anything. I am quite well monitored as I get potassium deficiency. I have prescription for potassium replacement, and also take b-vit supplement for lack of energy. Have already ordered the Macushield or Macuhealth supplement from Amazon, and will buy a smoothie maker. Luckily the foods I should eat for this condition, are all ones I like anyway, and do eat- so I will up the amounts with smoothies. I was originally told I had the start of AMD ie a very small dark spot at back of eye, by specsavers , but for my next glasses I went to vision express, and they said they didnt think it was AMD. Still a fairly small darkened area. But yesterday, the optician saw it and showed me in both eyes not the one, and it seemed like quite a large area of darker to me. Really wishing Vision Express, had not told me wrong! As I feel that is 4 years lost in which I could have been trying to do whatever I could to prevent it progressing.Still, I am interested to find if others with thyroid problems are prone to this developing, as to me, it seems sensible to associate dry gritty eyes with a build up of drusiun at back of eye, as the eyeball is not flushing debris away efficiently enough? Also wondering if anyone has used Liquivisc eye gel.. I find it seems to make debris stick to my eye. ( prescribed by my doctor)
I don't think drusen is linked to dry gritty eyes, I could be wrong, but drusen is an internal build up of deposits. not associated with external debris. When people have thyroid conditions, they might have a fabulous diet but can still be nutritionally deficient due to how it affects the gut.
You say you are well monitored but if you want to post your vitamin blood test results here then people will be glad to comment. The point is that from experience on this forum GP's often say all fine so long as we are in NHS range but that might not be optimal for someone with thyroid disease.
I can't find the link right now but I read that eating chicken with the whole skin is helpful for certain kinds of external dry eye conditions as whetever is in the substance under the skin helps to lubricate the glands in the eye.
Thank you for reply. Yes, I understand about the NHS range problems, and I do take vits and minerals of my own accord too, as I take the normal range with a pinch of salt. I do it as my body tells me. So I think that is a valid point ie the results they say are normal, may not be in fact normal for me. Half of my problem is that I am not remotely interested in health or medical stuff, so I tend to forget or gloss over things- I may be vigilant for a day or so of monitoring diet for instance, but then i forget about it. I just go by how I feel day to day. ..Do I just ask my surgery for a printout of my blood test results? ..Interesting about chicken skin; I'll try that as I quite like chicken, but have got in habit of eating just breast without skin. The best thing I have found for the dry eyes, is virgin coconut oil. Apparently it is very close in make up to the eye lubricants themself. All I can say is it does give comfort and ease the dryness. You have to warm the coconut oil so it liquifies. I use an old eyedrop bottle- take lid off sterilize, then spoon in some of the solidified coconut oil. Put lid back on. Then when you need to use it, warm it to body temperature by holding it, and just put a drop in each eye as you would any eye drop. Probably best used when you are staying home, as it is quite greasy. But i have also found that if you then put a drop of Optive in each eye soon afterwards, after wiping off excess, it seems to work better than anything else I have tried so far, and better than the doctors prescribed drops. If i am going out anywhere, i would use cocnut oil followed by the optive and it lasts several hours. At home in evenings and overnight, just use the coconut oil alone. I will see if i can get a print out of my bloods to post. My surgery is incredibly slow with most things, so I think it wont be done til after Christmas. Thank you again.
Yes, ask for a printout of all results.
Then, I'd suggest looking at eye problems under lef.org/protocols - - they've done a lot of the work already.
(Lef is a bunch of bio geeks who want to live long and healthy lives and tell anyone who'll listen how to do the same. They also sell stuff, but their info is free - - and has loads of footnotes with links to solid peer-reviewed research. So of you find something relevant, you can print their writeup for your doctors without being written off as a nut. )
Thyroid probs also result in Vit A deficiency due to poor conversion of carotene to retinol (as far as I recall). I use retinol drops as well as marigold extract for Lutein. I also eat marigold petals, fresh and dried sprinkled on cereal, fruit salad, bread and honey . Spirulina (Nutrex Hawaiian is best), Blue Green Klamath Algae and Barley Grass powder are also good supplements, contain Lutein, Zeaxanthin and a host of other good things.
Magnesium is also good for eyes. Not easily absorbed in the gut, topical applications of Mg oil are best, just be sure to keep it off broken skin or it will sting. Make your own from Zechstein magnesium chloride flakes dissolved with hot water, much cheaper. Can also be added to baths. Think Taurine also helps.
drcarolyndean.com/2014/07/e...
This seems a bit hardcore
youtube.com/watch?v=ehZIIfn...
cure-dryeyes.com/magnesium-...
Thank you. I will try some of these things. Quite like the idea of magnesium bath.
Magnesium bisglycinate or malate is well-absorbed, even the citrate is adequately absorbed.
Sadly, the magnesium oxide form we see most often is irritating and not absorbed well at all, even in folks without digestive difficulties. I think it is best reserved for use as a laxative.
The magnesium bath is lovely, though! My skin and joints are soothed.
My dry eyes have greatly improved since I increased T3 it had been a problem for months but now more or less ok
I have had dry eyes for years without linking it to hypothyroid condition but I am sure it is Got night blindness it was gradually getting worse and worse until I changed from thyroxine to NDT and quite quickly my eyes recovered quite a bit. I dont know if it was the thyroxine acting in stopping my night sight or the inability to absorb enough vitamin A on thyroxine but somehow ok on NDT...
Meanwhile I got diagnosed with glaucoma, no one in my family has this. I think it is related to being hypo but consultant at eye hospital says not.. no one thinks anything is related to hypo condition!
Then recently got torn cornea on waking up, having had such dry eyes, optician diagnosed and gave me ointment for night time, but GP wont prescribe it as it isnt the local district nhs preferred choice of drops, so only get day time ones!
And thats just the eyes! never mind the rest of me! Hypothyroidism has a lot to answer for!
It is terrible that your GP wont prescribe the drops your optician recomended. I do think the NHS should research more for thyroid issues, which would probably work out cheaper for them in the long run, than treating all of the complications! Postcode lottery! I have always just accepted that I take levothyroxine, though I did ask about T3 levels once as doctor said they were a bit too high, T4 spot on, but he said I would just pass the extra out harmlessly when I went to the loo. I have just more or less accepted without question that it is working for me, though I had to increase the dosage in inclements myself, as although I felt awlful at the beginning, doctor said I was now in normal range. So bit by bit it went up and for years doctors have now said it is spot on. But when I think of all of the various other issues I have, which all began at same time my thyroid went, I really am starting to question whether something else might not be better for me. Totally agree with your last comment ie that is just the eyes, never mind the rest. the list seems to goon and on.
Have you been evaluated for Sjogren's syndrome?
It's another autoimmune illness, best known for causing dry eyes and mouth (and skin and lungs and mucous membranes), though it also can cause other skin and joint problems.
I will note the name and ask the question as am at eye hospital soon and due a review at my gp in Feb/March
Thanks
I recently started having serious dry eye problems along with dry nasal passages, mouth, skin, etc. I also recently started taking T3 (Liothyronine) 5mcg. Will this help this problem? I was also tested for Sjogren's Syndrome. I have been self-medicating with Ammonium Lactate Cream (applying to affected skin, even around eyes and in nose) which has helped tremendously. With all that has gone wrong with my hypothyroid problem, I should have realized this is related to it, too.
Hi, I was suffering with very dry eyes and started taking Omega 7. In 3 days or so I felt a difference. Now, a couple of weeks on and it's not returned. Not 100% if it's my NDT dose increase kicking in, or a combination but worth a go? Only thing is that it is pricey at 30+pounds for 150 capsules. I use Omega 7 buckthorn oil.
Definitely good stuff to take. I take Safflower, Evening Primrose, Vit D and Blue Ice Royal Fermented Cod liver and Butter oil capsules (normal cod liver caps not much good). Freshly ground linseed too. good for eyes and skin.
I quite like linseed so can re start taking that. Have taken it before and didnt notice any differance, other than the taste was ok.
Thank you for reply. I havent tried Omega 7. Tried omega 3 and also cod liver oil, but didnt notice any differance with either of them, other than that I kept getting the taste of fish coming up from my stomach- and as I cant stand fish, that wasnt very nice. And even with eating and drinking cold drink after the capsules, the taste comes up for hours afterwards. I will have to read up on Omega 7 to see if any other than fish source.
If you are getting fishy burps, that often means the oil isn't fresh enough.
I used to, until I switched brands. The drugstore stuff was handy, but did me no good.
I'll have to google Omega 7. If it is fish based , I dont think I can bear it as fish seems to repeat for hours on me and I hate fish. As soon as the capsule disolves, the fish taste starts to come up, even though I flush the capsules down with cold drink and food.
Thanks for the advice too, I have so many vitamin and mineral and other supplements, I wonder how I will afford all this when I retire! Maybe a less stressful life style will help health though..
If it is any consulation, I am better off on state pension which I have just started to recieve, than I have been for years, so maybe that will be the case for you also!! Heres hoping for you. It is a shame that supplements are not available on NHS which would probably be cheaper in long run for them? Rather than wait until serious complications have set in. Don't you just get tired of taking tablets all of the time? I do!!
Glad to hear that you are doing well on the state pension, maybe I will to ..when I am 67 or 68 cant remember now! And yes, my bedroom looks like a branch of Boots ! Sea Buckthorn will be the latest addition. for omega 7 for the dry eyes.
I have spent a lot recently, private blood test, booking an appointment for January with Dr Toft, endocrinologist of high repute, buying many supplements and T3. I do hope this will all pay off !
Are you going to try the Omega 7 then?
Meantime, Merry Christmas!
Mine are all stuffed into 2 drawers and they are literally full, and that is just presciption stuff. Also some first thing in the morning prescription meds by side of bed. I rattle when I move. Would like to cut down on some of these! I havent looked up Omega 7 yet, but will tonight.As long as it doesnt taste of fish, I'll give it a go. Have been busy-ish today- not doing much but it filled the day so haven't browsed online yet. ..Gosh it sounds like you have been going all out to get some answers and advice. I hope it makes all the difference for you in a very positive way soon. One thing has occured to me ie one of my meds, which is for a skin condition. It is an anti-biotic, of which I take 4 per day, and have done daily, for probably 15 years. I am fairly certain that anti- biotics leach away vits. and minerals. Definately I will ask for blood test results and post here for advice. Thank you ie Christmas, and the same to you- hope the next few days are an enjoyable time for you.
I have just been trying the buckthorn Omega 7 tablets- ridicoulously pricey ! 4 a day which is the dosage given on box, equates to £40 plus per month. So far have bought one box, which should have lasted 2 weeks; first week I took the 4 a day, then went down to three and two, on alternative days, to eek the one box out. in the first week, I noticed no improvement to my eyes, and have not since. The only thing I did notice, was that my normally stuffed up nose became quite runny. maybe that was a coincidence. I dont think I am tempted to buy another box yet. Have bought a smoothie maker, and adding lots of linseed into the mix, so hopefully that will make up some omega 7 and 3. Am mainly mixing up kale, linseed, blueberries and mixed fed berries plus a banana, ans ussually a pear, and adding, or eatting seperately, some dates. Any other suggestions for eye health boosting additions to smoothies most welcome!!
Yes it is so expensive, but my eyes were so dry I was willing to try anything. Mine improved, but now the dryness has returned. However, my thyroid dosage has gone awry so need to correct that as well. But I'm interested in cheaper options. I am Hashimoto's, so find it hard to get nutrients through food. I'm making lots of smoothies as well but I think I need to eat a tin of sardines a a day! Be interested if you get a better result with the smoothie.
I am a little cynical about the high cost tbh. I think it is cashing in a little bit on the fact that eye problems, apart from being painful, are also scary; I do think the smoothie's are helping overall; definitely an improvement on my digestion, and also possibly my energy level. Today I also added hemp powder to the mix - not sure the powder is as beneficial as the seeds are supposed to be, but it did taste quite nice. Yuk- cant bear the thought of eating a teaspoon of sardine, let alone a tinful!! What are you putting in yours?
SlowDragonAdministrator
Looking at your earlier post. You are on pretty high dose of Levothyroxine
Guessing you have Hashimoto's and poor gut function and poor absorption
Plantar fasciitis also strongly suggests thyroid not correctly treated
New Year resolution perhaps
First thing is do you have any actual blood test results? If not you need to get hold of them. You are entitled under data protection laws.
You may be able to view test results online - ring and ask about this. If you can then apply for online access to your account. All GP practices are supposed to offer this, in reality very few have blood test results available online.
If not then ask for print out of recent tests. Pick up in a day or two. They may make a nominal charge for paper.
You need to know results for TSH, FT4 and FT3.
Do you also have high thyroid antibodies? You need to know. Did GP or Endo ever test these? If not ask that they are tested.
Essential to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12.
Always get actual results and ranges. Post results when you have them, members can advise
If antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease).
About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's so it's very likely
Hashimoto's affects the gut and leads to low stomach acid and then low vitamin levels
Low vitamin levels stop Thyroid hormone working
With thyroid disease having a good diet does not necessarily mean you have good vitamin levels. If gut is not working correctly you can't absorb the nutrients
Poor gut function can lead leaky gut (literally holes in gut wall) this can cause food intolerances. Most common by far is gluten
According to Izabella Wentz the Thyroid Pharmacist approx 5% with Hashimoto's are coeliac, but over 80% find gluten free diet helps significantly. Either due to direct gluten intolerance (no test available) or due to leaky gut and gluten causing molecular mimicry (see Amy Myers link)
But don't be surprised that GP or endo never mention gut, gluten or low vitamins. Hashimoto's is very poorly understood
Changing to a strictly gluten free diet may help reduce symptoms, help gut heal and slowly lower TPO antibodies
thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...
thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...
amymyersmd.com/2017/02/3-im...
chriskresser.com/the-gluten...
scdlifestyle.com/2014/08/th...
drknews.com/changing-your-d...
Low stomach acid can be an issue
Lots of posts on here about how to improve with Apple cider vinegar or Betaine HCL
thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...
drmyhill.co.uk/wiki/hypochl...
scdlifestyle.com/2012/03/3-...
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
Other things to help heal gut lining
Bone broth
thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...
Probiotics
carolinasthyroidinstitute.c...
Importance of magnesium and vitamin A
hypothyroidmom.com/two-vita...
Thank you. Loads of info here and links to visit. I will ask for my blood test results. All I know is originally the doctor, now retired, said I had thyroid autoimmune disease, but at some point when they computerised, half if not most of my med. records seem to have been lost as on many occasions and for other things not just thyroid, they have no record of whatever I mention in my records. The mystery was cleared up recently when I had a kidney scan and the lady told me that written records were lost when they computerized everything. However, when I mentioned that to me doctor, he said that wasnt true. Maybe they just recorded some recent years and archived everything else from earlier? All I know is that time and again, they say they cant find any note of 'whatever' from years back, on my records. Many things- not just thyroid. So anyway, I was originally told by the doctor who diagnosed the original thyroid problem that I had thyroid auto immune disease, which is Hashimotos, but just a few months ago, my doctor said I just had a low thryroid. I was originally told that my thyroid had attacked itself and would never function again, and I had autoimmune related thyroid problems.I also had huge lumpy swelling in the front of my neck which was butterfly shaped, but larger than I think thyroid gland actually is. that later went away, and docs said they couldnt see it anyway, though to me it looked huge and very obvious when looking in mirror. The doctor I have now for last few years is probably the best one I have had to date, as he does try to address all the various health issues I have, but I dont get the sense that he relates any of them back to thyroid, although they all started at the same time as Thyroid stopped. For myself, I could probably go through list of low thryoid symtoms and side effects and tick all or 99% of them, so I get the sense that he either A) thinks it is all in my head and that I am depressed, and a drama queen, or B) that he just gives various bandaids applied to surface wounds without the underlying reason being sorted out. I have had stomach problems which you have mentioned, and that was investigated and the reason put down to diverticulitis ie pockets bulging out from my gut wall. For that was given a diet sheet of things to add to diet ie linseed, beetroot amonsgst others. Find that probiotics and yoghurt really upset my stomach, and I used to drink loads of probiotic but never had much benifit from them, so have pretty much given up. Have found the best thing for my stomach problems is good old Andrews Liver Salts. Since I have used that, I feel my stomach is less painful and more regulated than ever it has been in my entire life. Prior to using it, i was in a lot of pain when eatting, and having to massage or even it seemed, manhandle my food around the digestive tract with my hands, or have intense pain. Also Bouts of costipation or diarhea. Prior to the time when my thyroid stopped working, i had a cast iron stomach which never gave me any problems whatsoever and regular as clockwork. Not quite to that level with Andrews, but better than it has been in years. Hoping this bit of info makes some sense to you! Aches and pains- I have plenty, ie arthritis basically everywhere, and worse is plantar fascilitis and a bone growing down from my heel, which I think is also thyroid related? Prior to this though,and starting same year as thyroid, I had huge kidney stone which almost had me in hospital for removal ( down to last 15 minutes before doc said i had to have it surgically removed when finally it passed!) then scan showed 6 others in kidney. passed several through the years and then this year, recently, had a scan to see how many left in there, and all have dissapeared from kidney, but sods law- now having a calcium deposit ie the bone as I call it, growing out of my heel- would prefer the kidney stones I think!! But I think this must have some connection to thyroid complicating something or other- just too much of a coincidence that it all began at same time? 2003 or 4. Sorry for so long a post!
In the New Year get your thyroid results and vitamin tests. Come back with new post once you have results
Loads of people have had plantar fasciitis. It's often low vitamins and/or low T3
Stomach issues are extremely likely gluten and or low stomach acid
Trying strictly gluten free diet may be revealing
Dr Toft, past president of the British Thyroid Association and leading endocrinologist, states in Pulse Magazine,
"The appropriate dose of levothyroxine is that which restores euthyroidism and serum TSH to the lower part of the reference range - 0.2-0.5mU/l.
In this case, free thyroxine is likely to be in the upper part of its reference range or even slightly elevated – 18-22pmol/l.
Most patients will feel well in that circumstance. But some need a higher dose of levothyroxine to suppress serum TSH and then the serum-free T4 concentration will be elevated at around 24-28pmol/l.
This 'exogenous subclinical hyperthyroidism' is not dangerous as long as serum T3 is unequivocally normal – that is, serum total around T3 1.7nmol/l (reference range 1.0-2.2nmol/l)."
You can obtain a copy of the articles from Thyroid UK (after Jan 3rd) email dionne.fulcher@thyroidUK.org. print it and highlight question 6 to show your doctor.
Prof Toft - article just published now saying T3 is likely essential for many or that we have to have high FT4 and suppressed TSH. But adding small dose of T3 is likely better option
rcpe.ac.uk/sites/default/fi...
Thank you for that info. It all seems so complicated. TBH My thyroid rarely gets discussed with my doctor, as it is ussually knee problems or back problems which take predescence over the last few years.
Hi
I had plantar fasciitis for a couple of years, it stopped me exercising which was walking and jogging, at the time, though I dont know how i did it now.
Had no idea it is linked to low thyroid function. No doctor seemed to be aware either, not suprised now.
I have TED. Thyroid eye disease.Can I suggest you contact the charity. Easy to look up and so informative and helpful. If it’s any help I have Systain eye drops prescribed and use as often as needed. They will answer all your questions and more I’m sure. Good luck. X
Thank you. I will do that. The doc has given me Optilast which I think is for low grade re-accuring infection I get, and then Optive drops for dryness, which recently changed to Liquivisc, which for first week I thought helped, but then decided not good for my eyes, as it seemed to irritate the raised bits on my eye whites- almost sticking too them. I find coconut oil helps a lot for over night especially. But am open to all suggestions for especially daytime usage; the Optive lasts for all of ten minutes relief, if that!!
Did the doctor mention blepharitis? There are oil glands along the ridge of the lids which can be blocked and this oil keeps eyes lubricated. Deficient vitamin A is often the problem. Any deficiency can be blamed on a digestive system that isn't working well and that can be blamed on low stomach acid. This is why autoimmune conditions begin in the gut and truly effect almost everything. I would start using digestive enzymes or HCL with meals. You can supplement with A and/or omega 7. Read the reviews on those. There are lid cleaners because there are bacteria on the lids and I often use organic castor oil along the lids at night.
Ha, after you digest all that, I've been posting information on proteolytic enzymes which I think are vital for cleaning arteries of proteins you don't want there. I would love to know if they would help with cataracts which I think they would. Look up Serrapeptase but there are others like Wobenzyme and Nattokinase. Very safe to use.
Thank you for reply. I think I get enough Vit. A in food and also take a supplement, and in winter I have it in normal vit and minerals and also buy tabs to take on top, but that is dependant on whether my body is absorbing it, of course!! I really guess I do need the blood test results to go farther into this.. I think the coconut oil I use is doing a good job for nightime ,and must be similar to castor oil, which would also cleanse along the lids as that is one of the listed benefits of it. I have used castor oil for other things though. Also have used borax solution to bathe eyes, which is an old remedy for eye complaints. I will read the Serrapeptase reviews you mention.
linzee3,
Much of the "vitamin A" in food is in the form of betacarotene. That needs to be converted into active vitamin A. The process of conversion is impaired in hypothyroidism.
This is one reason some hypothyroid people exhibit orange skin - carotenaemia or carotenosis.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carot...
So even with large amounts of betacarotene, you could end up low in vitamin A. You probably absorb the betacarotene - but then don't manage the next step.
Thanks for reply. Yes, I understand the problem; I just haven't got to th e point of really investigating or absorbing (!!) (LOL) mentally what I can do ie supplements. I have spent the last five years in what can only be called dire financial straits due to being self employed, with illness and knee problems so doing less and less, and state pension delayed by 4.5 years so I have really struggled and really could not afford to buy any more than basic vitimins. Now have state pension- finally, so better able to look into and buy supplements.
I have read this thread with interest as I have had Carotenaemia for a while which results in orange knuckles for me...then casually looked at my hands and they are all the same colour! Result! I wonder what I've done??
infomaniac,
Low vitamin A is reported in both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/847...
One of the many things that occurs either side of optimum thyroid hormone levels.
I forgot to add the warm compresses are also very helpful.
The optician two days ago sold me a microwavable eye mask filled with beads. I did in fact say I could just heat up a wet flannel, which he wasnt impressed with. I feel he was a bit of a salesman as I felt pressured to buy glasses frames at the end too. ( but didnt!) Anyway, I didnt like the bead mask very much as it seemed to put too much pressure on my eyes, even though I had to remove the elastic band as it felt too tight, the mask itself felt too heavy pressing against my eyes, which in fact all the time recently seem pressured or bruised from behind. I did like the warm feeling though and my eyes did feel slightly most for a few minutes afterwards. Presume regular use would give longer lasting effect. I am thinking I can easily make a flaxseed mask and just microwave that, so the oils in flaxseed would secrete slightly when warmed, for double benefit.
I agree, I have never felt right since I went to the doc twenty five or more years ago and told him I thought I had a thyroid problem having read an article about it in a womans magazine in a waiting room... and having felt ill for so long...
I wonder what is in our lives that makes so many of us so ill?
For years before I was diagnosed, I thought I had a low thryoid problem as had all the symptoms, but blood tests always came out on the lowest side of normal range. Then the summer I finally got diagnosed, I didnt even think it was my thyroid! LOL... Thats how on the ball I am!!... I had reached a point where I could hardly walk; I was so breathless, and could hardly keep my eyelids open as they were so heavy, and I could hardly breathe, I was gasping for breathe, maybe because my glands in neck were so enlarged, or maybe because it was such an effort to put one leg in front of the other. I couldnt think or process anything mentally. Then my legs and hands where doing wierd spasm things like jerking when I was stood still, but hardly able to move when I wanted to, or my hand would clamp into a very odd claw shape of its own accord.I was also having pain down my arm and across my shoulder and chest pain on occasion so bad I had to pull over when driving as I could not get my breathe. I didnt relate it all to one thing,and probably put up with it for a fortnight before I finally went to doctor. I just recall I kept marveling at how much my nan had done in a day, 20 years older than I was, and that if I felt like that now, ie at that time, what would I feel like when I was 80? So I finally came to the conclusion that I had Asthma!! And put the rest down to maybe menopause. And Asthsma is what I went to the doctor telling him I thought was wrong with me! I remember at the time feeling amazed that I had given up trying to convince them I had low thyroid, to the point I didnt even consider it anymore, and in fact it turned out to be totally non functioning without me even recognizing the symptoms.
Sorry FFranny, I am replying to the wrong post from you, as I am answering one of your others which I now can't find. I have now read up on Omega 7 and yes, it sounds good. Thank you to you, and also to all others who suggested it. What brand do you recommend please as I was a bit confused by there being the right sort to buy, and the wrong sort which didnt include all of the benefits. Thank you!!
I vote for the wet flannel. I keep a bowl of hot water and just keep dipping a wash cloth in it or the microwave works, too but it gets too hot and then it cools down rapidly. Have you used a magnifying glass and looked at your eye lids? You may see some crusty bits. I read you can go so far as to have those oil glands expressed but it's painful. But it's all a part of our microbiome and that is the best way to improve our health.
There has been a lot of research but doctors don't want to look at it. But naturopaths do and we've had wonderful summits and Betrayal by Tom O'Bryan really exposed the negligence and ignorance in conventional medicine in regard to autoimmune disease. You can overcome, linzee.
Thanks Heloise!! I have to say, my first instinct was that any thing microwavable is not quite healthy. No, I haven't examined my eyelids with magnifying glass - I don't have one, but worth getting one. In fact I am quite interested in natural therapies, and just before my thyroid gave up the ghost, I qualified as a professional reflexologist and also as an aromatherapist. After first year, I had to give that up as just didnt have the energy, but I have been interested in herbal remedies my entire life, still am, and still interested in essential oils. I know that conventional doctors do not take much of that seriously, which is an age old thing; healers and wise men and women were thier main competition in past times, and it was in thier own best interests to deride herbal and natural remedies in favour of science. But more and more through the years it has been proven that there is scientific evidence to support the efficiency and usefulness of a lot of these natural cures, and I do think that is filtering slightly into mainstream medicine more now. The ideal would be when they get to the point of working in harmony with each other!! My brain is getting really tired and muggy now, but I have a really good book of natural remedies by an American man. I will try to look it up in my bookcase tomorrow and give you the title. There was a time when it was by bedside reading- really worth me having a good browse again. My own doctor is I think totally a man of science, but at least he listens, which is more than some I have seen in the past.. But I have to say when I read the leaflets of contraindications of some of my prescriptions, They are far more serious, if not downright scarier, than the initial condition. And sometimes, now, I wonder with my various ailments, if it isn't a case of which came first, the chicken or the egg ie has the medication caused another problem, or would that problem have occured anyway. ( does that make sense?)
You are making perfect sense. The pharmaceutical industry has taken over and they have the massive amounts of money to do it. Greygoose made a statement about them. They are not trying to heal anyone, they are trying to make lifelong customers. And that's exactly what they have done to you. I would say all drugs manufactured today have a detrimental effect on other organs. Even simple painkillers are causing fatalities. It's either your liver, kidneys or stomach.
Dr. Bergman goes so far to say there is no disease, it is your body reacting to environment in almost all cases. The ideal solution is not to compound it by adding more toxins but to change the environment and allow the body to heal. I'm so sorry about your situation. As far as your eyes, I think you can feel a rough edge if you run across the upper lids. The compresses will soften them and the oil can penetrate. I think coconut oil is probably just as good as castor oil.
I learned quite a bit about Borax when I was researching biofilm infections. I think that is another way our health is deteriorating with molds, etc. Some people were drinking very, very diluted borax and also, turpentine. I think I'll pass on those!
Hopefully you can start to learn to handle your conditions and get off the meds. Your body is always ready to heal.
Hi Heloise, just re-reading your post, as I was tired and missing important bits when I visited here last night. Interesting that you mention molds, as since moving here, I sleep in a bedroom which is really damp. Mentioned to doctor and he said a bit of mold wouldn't hurt me! Landlord says it is condensation, but residents including me, think it is faulty damp proof course as it rises from the floor and up half of the outer walls. my carpet has actually turned to wet dirt in worse area. With grey and black mold growing. windows open every day. At nightitme, when i retire to bed, within minutes, my throat is sore and by eyes are super irritated. In fact i asked optician about this the other day and he said it wouldnt affect my eyes. But I am fast losing trust in all medical professionals, so I tend to agree with you. I have never heard of anyone drinking Borax... And although I totally believe you, that people have drank either of these, I cant imagine how anyone could be so foolhardy as to drink either of those things; a totally ridiculous and dangerous thing to do. Borax is alkaline acidic and abrasive. Same for turpentine- the oils in it- turpinols, would be very harmful. I was recomended to bathe eye with Borax wash for my horse, who had moodblindness. But have also mentioned it to docotr who says safe for human eye wash. It is in an old remedy book I have from Victorian times. .. Though this has reminded me of something; years ago I did a course on Radioethesis (probably spelt it wrong!) It is dowsing with rods and also with a pendulum. It is dowsing for earth energy and also water or electricity, but can be used for other things also such as body energy or blockages, and positive or negative really anything you want to find out. As part of the course, we had to do an experiment whereby you would get someone else would put liquid type ingredient onto a tissue, and then into a sandwich bag, sealed into an envelope. They would do this for 10 sealed envelopes. And printed the ingredient on the underside of each envelope. My son did this for me, choosing and sealing ten different envelopes. I then had to dowse over each one, and seperate them into two piles- dangerous to drink, and non dangerous to drink. Prior to this i had been experimenting in many ways, and I am very accurate. In fact, for fun, I can dowse a deck of cards face side down, and get 100% correct when I seperate into red pile, and black pile, which I have done many times. Anyway, I digress- back to the envelopes; My son had put all sorts of things in, on the tissues- tap water, puddle water, toilet cleaner, lawn mower oil, olive oil, antifreeze, etc etc, whatever he could think of, and time and again, I dowsed them all correctly, except for tap water which kept turning up in the dangerous pile!!! an din dowsing the dangerous pile to find level of danger if drunk, tap water kept coming out as more dangerous then , I think it was anti freeze! ( this was years ago, so it may have been engine oil, not anti freeze, but anyway,) the danger level of our tap water was not beneficial to us! Not surprising when we think of how many times it is used and co say cleaned to re-use. YUK!!!
Linzee, your dowzing is hilarious. Maybe you should go on the road with your trickery, ha. But Is this really what is considered kinesiology? We have those in the U.S. and I know you have them in the UK, too. They hold a substance next to you and have the person resist a push on their arm. If it's bad they have no strength and cannot push back. I'll check your term to see if it's the same.
Well, the borax is diluted with a gallon of water to one tablespoon of borax and then you only take a teaspoon. Probably poisonous but not enough to kill you and maybe cure you. The turpentine was used by negroes in the old days probably diluted by the same measure. They are probably both safer than antibiotics by its name means anti life! Anyway I am very, very troubled by your description about the wet and damp in your home. Sometimes the mold is growing behind the wall board. Would you dare pull a piece off? Do you have services that you can report and have them check it out. There are enzyme cleaners which might be safer than fungicides. I'm going to look up some information but I'm quite worried now.
Quick reply as late here 2;30 a.m., and I will reply properly tomorrow. No, kinesiology is different. I had a friend who did that; it works as you say, my resistance. I think probably quite a good way of diagnosing problems. Radiosthesis is sort of similar in a roundabout way. And you can apply the principles in different ways- hence my party trick with deck of cards. You may have heard of people who find water underground, by walking along holding two sticks which cross over each other when there is water underground? That is dowsing - ie radiothesiseis. So you can dowse for different vibrations or energies; water, electricity, a mineral or metal, oil underground, ley lines, which are energy lines on earth surface. Or you can use it in healing so find blockages and surges of energy in a human or animal, so you could find problem areas. I used it in healing ie with a pendulum or my hands over a horse or a dog. Say you found a blockage of energy, you could then use massage to move that blockage along and get body energies flowing evenly again. Or say I had 3 essential oils which were all good for a particular condition, I could then dowse over them to see which one might be most beneficial for that particular person, whilst I held that persons hair in my other hand. your hand and the pendulum then becomes a conduit for energy and attracts the correct essential oil by its individual vibration reaction to the persons strand of hair. The deck of cards is possible because the values of the colours red, or black, are different to each other. Once i found someones water leak, after she was given a huge bill to pay, when no leak was visible, but hse had had lots of problems with flooding so she assumed it was hidden under floorboards or in walls. This is quite amusing as I walked around house dowsing- nothing showed. So I drew up plans of her house, and went home to dowse each room on paper. And it kept showing no leaks anywhere, but the actual paper set it whirling madly. later turned out thier was an error was on her bill! LOL - she hadnt questioned it, just panicked because of the previous problems she had had. So technically, if not physically, I found the problem! Hope that gave you a giggle. Nighty- night!! I am off to sleep, but will read and reply properly tomorrow.
Heloise,
Even the vapours of turpentine (and turpentine substitute - often called white spirit in the UK and used for cleaning brushes and thinning paint) can be noxious.
This was a quite interesting article about such things in the context of art:
huffingtonpost.com/robert-m...
helvella I've been quite alarmed by recent comments on the forum about drinking turpentine and borax. I've used borax in solution as an alternative to more toxic wood treatments.
With regard to turpentine, which I'm assuming to be genuine gum turpentine in this context, I used to paint in oils (still have all the materials) and I much preferred using Spike Oil, though it can still cause respiratory irritation. It is a very strong solvent indeed and requires caution in use. Unfortunately, I found the drying oils themselves - mainly linseed, walnut and safflower - caused a sore throat and some respiratory difficulties.
A very good resource on the safe use of all available fine art paints and painting additives is the 2006 edition of The Painter's Handbook, by Mark Gottsegen.
I'd like to qualify my comment about possibly trying turps, after reading stuff online about folk remedies; I said I might be tempted to try * essential oil* of turps, applied topically as a massage oil. Let me qualify that by stating ( again) that I am a professionally qualified aromatherapist. Oils containing terpines are not classed as safe for internal use. The folk remedies were discussing using paint stripper (!)! industrial grade turps, which is not at all the same thing as organic 100% pure essential oil!! Obviously, I would not recommend anyone ingesting Turps in any form! The essential oils would be used in a carrier oil, not put neat onto skin. I'd also like to point out that pure organic essential oil grade pineols- ie turp. is not the same thing as artist grade turps, which is only a finer form of industrial paint thinner. ( I am an artist also) However, I have NEVER been tempted to sample any art product internally.
It's okay, linzee, I know you weren't advocating this yourself.
Actually, there are two types of turpentine used by oil painters - the industrial grade thinner you mention, but also the gum turpentine I referred to. The latter is still used by some oil painters to alter viscosity without reducing pigment binding, and also for its refractive quality, which produces a particular sheen. I prefer Canada Balsam for the latter use, but it's very expensive.
I thought best to clarify, as I wouldnt like for someone to read this thread at a later date, and think I was advocating taking it internally!!. May I ask, do you still paint? One of my major concerns with this M.D...I paint using oils on occasion, and acrylics, mostly, nowadays. Also sculpt, and I dont really want to give this up. Would you mind telling me, if you have these eye issues, how you have gotten on? Thanks!! PS I have used Daler Rowney, and Windsor & Newton thinners, and found them expensive enough, and that was years ago. Canada balsam sounds like cough medicine-- just to add to the confusion! (lol) Nowadays, I like using heavy body straight out of the tube, either mixed directly on the canvas, or mixed on a pallete first.
You and I are just two of several painters on this forum. I must do a head count one day. 
I don't paint as much as I would like to because my energy is so low, but I keep my hand in when I can. I use mainly acrylics these days, though I've kept my oils, just in case my health improves to the point where I no longer have these sensitivities. I sometimes use watercolour and gouache, but acrylics tend to be more versatile. I find some brands of acrylic binder produce fumes which I find difficult to manage without ventilation (slight nausea and headache), but thankfully none of them have affected my eyes.
At some point, I'd really like to use oils with cold wax medium, but that's asking for trouble! Lots of organic solvent... I have some equipment for traditional encaustic work (heated and fused wax) and I even used to make my own medium with wax and dammar resin, but I was warned to stop using this unless/until I can set up better ventilation in my work room.
Now I'm concerned that some of your symptoms are from mold. Maybe you don't want to read this article but I think you should take it seriously.
'What’s wrong with a little mold and mildew? As long as they stay put behind the laundry tub, out of sight under the basement carpet, or only peek around the edge of the bathroom wallpaper, who cares? Well, you should, because they’re not only eating away at your house, they could be eating away at your health, too."
familyhandyman.com/cleaning...
Thanks Heloise. I will read it. I don't need convincing on the score of mold being harmful; wish I could convince others though as I cant afford to move from here for at least another year or so, if I even have the energy to do that, by then. Local environment officer has visited and said sleep with windows open and get rid of furniture!! ( also don't breathe!!??) I had stupidly washed down with bleach, everything, just the day before thier visit, as I can not berar the smell. they have already put holes and grills in external walls, which in fact makes it worse. Walls get especially wet when we get heavy rain, and worse area is around the air vents!! Unfortuneately they put them just level with my bed mattress which gives me another problem- in winter I keep 4 x hot water bottles all down the side of my bed, inside covers, which does keep bed linen dry. At one time the entire side of my bed, ie the bed linen was as wet as if I had just taken it out of washing machine. I have had to put my chest of drawers, stacked onto a keyhole desk, to keep it off floor level, as clothes mouldy. The wet comes up off of floor, and up walls. I can, at worst times, ie when we have had weeks of rain, touch the wall which is outer wall, and my hand will come away as wet as if I had put it under a running tap. Floor is cement, with- wait for it- lino tiles on top which contain absestos! ( also mentioned to doctor, who didnt think it was dangerous. Tiles are 'so say' safe, as long as sealed with grout correctly and not chipped or having holes. Unfortunately, the tiles are really old, and this isnt the case, but no -one seems concerned; it seems fairly common over here in UK to still have them in lots of properties. My tiles are all covered up with other floor coverings now. Carpet which was pure wool antique, has been eaten away by mold, and wet, and I found the best solution, has been something I read online- clay cat litter, which works to draw the moisture . I keep cartons of it everywhere, and under bed, I have sprinkled it. It goes on a hard dry pebbles, and every month or so, o have to scrape up wet clay globs- lovely! I also have a fan heater directed to under the bed, but cant run it often as fairly expensive ie electric usage. Window always open in daytime. Oh, and needless to say, when they came out to investigate, it was high summer, so nowhere near as bad as it is for 9 months of the year. I think I am just stuck here until I am in a financial position to move, which will be at least two years. Health has definately went downhill since moving here....The name of the Natural remedy book I mentioned to you in another post, was 'The Green Pharmacy' - unfortuneately I can not remember the name of the man who wrote it, and it is currently in a quite inaccessable space where I can't get to it as need help moving some trunks. Have a peaceful and enjoyable Christmas, Heloise. Thank you for all of your help and advice. I have enjoyed chatting to you very much; ie some of the random topics touched upon; I am fascinated by old remedies, so find your info on turp and borax remedies so interesting. I imagine that at the time, any poor person must have used them, irregardless of ethnicity, as poor whites working in factories /sweat shops, etc. were not a whole lot better off than those who recieved no actual wages, so am off to google- I love social history as a subject. I think this may be USA based remedies, more than UK, but I grew up in the states so find it doubly interesting. Hope you enjoyed what you found out about dowsing. Take care.
Linzee, I cannot believe what you have to put up with daily. I wish I could do something about it although in the article about the only thing to do is to tear down the walls and fix the leaks. Your landlord is either heartless or so poor himself he can't help you. I'm sure you've thought of anything you could do for yourself.
I have not heard of the Green Pharmacy, don't worry I can look it up as I feel the old remedies can still be very effective. I was curious about cancer treatments the other day and found out that most of the chemotherapies are from plants....the poisonous ones I think. I was surprised.
I can't understand how you can be so delightful and positive in spite of it all. I'm very happy I met you but will be worried about those conditions you seem to be stuck with. I do hope that will change soon.
I really don't enjoy xmas as it has become too hedonistic. I'd rather be sober, teehee.
Please take care Linzee.
Hi Heloise, I think I have just got used to it. landlord is a big corporation of business people and they got bailed out by UK government a few years ago, otherwise they would have went bankrupt. My opinion is that they like to spend money on new builds and trendy ideas, in big towns where they get seen. We are in a tiny out of the way village, and the building was built after WW2 so not of the best materials. At best, it and others like, it, just get patched up. On the plus side, if it were on the open market,m this little flat would be selling for about 1/4 of a million in this area. Well off Londoners and other rich weekenders/ second home owners, pay a fortune to have my access to open countryside etc. I will have a hard time finding something affordable in such a good location ie having the things I love, but I agree, it cant be doing my health any good...I have had a good browse of turpentine and borax as a remedy. Loved reading about older generations memories of thier mothers dosing them up on a regular basis. And I have to admit, I was halfway tempted to give it Turps. a go myself. I need to delve further and see what essential oils would have the same properties, and maybe experiment. Massaging into the skin is a very good way of getting essential oils into the bloodstream and into organs, so although I dont think I will be drinking the turps. remedy by the tablespoonful, I might try rubbing it into my stomach or joints, if appropriate. Rubbing it into joints, as described on one site, reminded me that it was common practice to rub horses limbs with various concoctions after sprains etc.- think, but am not sure, that turps was an ingredient in that. Anyway, interesting reading- thanks for mentioning it!!! ( not sure why my typeface has changed, as I have done nothing!!)... PS. I am like you in that I don't do much for Christmas- in fact, I dont really do it at all. I just about cook a meal- nothing elaborate or huge. I buy no presents or cards, and don't go to my family, though I am invited. All in all, I find it has become a victim of it's own hype ie too much excess. I am glad when it is over and things go back to normal. Bah!! Humbug!!!.. ps it is nice of you to be concerned for me ie mold. I just tell myself that 100 years ago, it was probably the norm, so if that generation managed, so can I. Positive thinking is the main thing, and I am so lucky to be naturally optimistic 99% of the time, and retain a sense of humour- it a great coping tool...Hope you had a nice enjoyable day yesterday, anyway! If not Christmassy. Ours was peaceful- one could almost say boring! LOL-- ok, it was boring!!
Oh linzee, I'm glad there is somewhat of an "up" side to living where you do. Everyone's economy has gone down and I still blame it on George Bush....also starting that awful war which also ruined my health since my son was in Iraq for fifteen months. He made it back in one piece and actually wrote a book about it called Taking Anbar. I'm proud of him but he should never gone military. U.S. economy affected the whole world I think. Banks weren't greedy enough, they had to make bad mortgage loans and then got the government to pay them off except.......where does the government get the money to do that?
Are you close to the Reserves? I was told about it and googled it once. We have a beautiful park where I live although I'm in the mountains. The scenery makes a wonderful difference, doesn't it? I love being outdoors.
Did you read what Rod wrote? I mean helvella. I don't think the fumes would be at all good for you so don't rub it on anything. Stick with BenGay if you want to smell like wintergreen, haha.
I'm still hoping you can figure a way out of that situation.
I'm glad things are back to normal, too.
I do have to say that I feel that all in all, with everything considered, my life now, as compared to pre thyroid diagnosis, is maybe one tenth what it was in terms of energy and being able to do things. Really quite shocking that more research isnt done and doctors taking it more seriously, as I know many other people feel the same if not worse than I do, due to thyroid. Seems it would be far cheaper to research and find solutions rather than wait to treat all of the various complications as they occur.
Hi,
You’ve already had some great replies above- but as an optometrist and hashimotos Hypothyroid patient I thought I might be able to add my two pennies worth.
Sorry to hear you have early AMd and cataracts. Chronic Dry eye I know is horrendous - and people often underestimate its effects. Just to clarify a few things first ;
1) dry eye and Drusen are entirely different things and not linked (or not in the way you suggested) but as others have said- similar nutritional deficiencies can definitely cause both.
Omega 3&7 greatly reduces dry eye in a lot of people- and more&more studies are suggesting that- and may help with your joint pain too. Other anti inflammatories like turmeric /black seed oil and the like are often quite useful too.
In terms of diet and nutrition and supplements- try getting one that follows the AREDS 2 formula (this is the large scale study that shows the exact formulation that can help to reduce AMd progression)
-*note* if you are or have smoked in past beta carotene in supplements has been linked to increased link of lung cancer.
If you are a smoker- stop ☺️ It’s one of the biggest causes of eye disease/blindness
if you have a dark spot and no other Drusen it can be a macula hole which may or may not be entirely caused by aMD- but is not reversible.
I would suggest however that you have regular eyetests (annually) at a single opticians that you trust that has either an OCT/fundus camera to take images/scans of your eye. Monitoring progression/vision/changes is key to this condition, so sometimes changing opticians regularly doesn’t help. You can however take your glasses prescription wherever you wish to have the specs made up.
2) As others have suggested your dry eye is most likely blepharitis related. Most people have this condition to various degrees. I love coconut oil for many things, and yes often oil based cleansers help to remove makeup and debris along the eyelashes- however I would proceed with caution- the thick gel drops like liquivisc and oil cleansers may be aggravating your blepharitis further by blocking meibomian glands more. It can be a vicious cycle. Blephaclean wipes are very good at cleaning the eyelids.
As for the microwaveable heat masks your optician suggested- they have been proven to be far more effective than hot flannels - as in order to melt the meibomina gland blockages you need persistent heat at a higher temperature to melt it. Flannels don’t retain heat for long enough- but it depends on severity of condition. I often suggest flannels as most wont bother with the masks. Try sitting up with the mask on rather than laying back to alleviate the weight/pressure on the eyes. The ‘bruised’ feeling you’re experiencing is dry eye/inflammation.
In terms of drops some of the best ones I’ve used and had patients use are;
- hycosan intensive
-thealoz
- systane balance (but if you’re sensitive to preservatives you may not tolerate this one)
You can use a gel type drop at night time only or do very dry but use sparingly and try cleaning your eyes in the morning to open blockages.
If you google blepharitis - nhs link explains the cleaning regime quite well.
Whatever you do don’t use Johnson’s baby shampoo as was once routinely advised! Soaps will again strip the oils from the eye.
Chronic blepharitis can be linked to a staph infection, rosacea, etc antibiotics may be necessary then- or a tea tree oil formulation but this can be poisonous!!! If not in right quantity so never self administrate.
3) Most thyroid eye disease is caused by hyperthyroidism like Graves rather than hypo- however if you have autoimmune disease then you are more at risk of nutritional deficiencies and other autoimmune disease- myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune eye condition that causes eye muscle fatigue and other issues although it’s quite rare.
Also if you have hashimotos you can also have ‘hyper’ flares and swing from hypo to hyper occasionally- hence people get eye pain on movement and often double vision that’s usually linked to Graves.
4) cataracts can be quite disconcerting to live with as it can cause a lot of visual issues- but of everything it’s the easiest to correct with surgery. Again I would have regular sight tests so you can back up your visual deterioration with cataract progression. Some ophthalmologists (at the hospital) will often blame it all on the AMd and let you suffer with cataracts for a while. If an optician can show progression and rx changes it can help clarify what’s causing what.
5) I definitely concur with other users comments- a good diet unfortunately isn’t enough for Hypothyroid patients - tackling absorption is usually the biggest struggle. However I do feel your pain (!)
Good luck x
Hi I am following this thread with interest as I too have eye issues and am autoimmune hypothyroid. I was diagnosed with Glaucoma a few years ago, the sort where buts of pigment drop off and block the drInage channels!
Is this common in hypo sufferers ?
Is there a glaucoma like eye problem that is in fact a thyroid related issue not glaucoma as such?
ffranny hi,
Pigment dispersion glaucoma (PDG) which you have is less common than POAG glaucoma and can Be caused by different things but often the mechanism and cause of glaucoma is still not fully understood and is being researched.
As far as I am aware there is no direct link to thyroid and PDG. However there is a link between increased chance of POAG and diabetes.
I would think similar problems with thyroid could exacerbate conditions/metabolism and vitamin/mineral deficiencies.
Nutrition and eye health is key- a lot of the eye cannot regenerate so preserving its health is more important and metabolism/waste removal is crucial especially with AMD.
All in all good thyroid health and control isn’t a bad place to start with for any health issues.
They use drops and often use lasers to open the drainage channels with PDG - your best bet is again to have regular ophthalmologist checks - glaucoma is slow and progressive- most forms if caught early are easily treatable- key is to find it early enough. Pigment dispersion syndrome doesn’t always progress to glaucoma either
Hope that helps xx
Thank you to take the time to explain this to me. I do appreciate this. Nutritian is key and intestines dont absorb, it comes down to this. I am working up to going gluten free, drastically reduced the pastry and toast elements. Think I will give up food altogether and live on Spirulina powder .. But after Christmas.
Have a Merry healthy happy Christmas!
Lol you’re welcome. I’ve found such good advice on this forum it’s nice to be able to give something back!
I feel the same way about potential gluten free diet. So miserable 😞
Good luck and enjoy your holidays !
Franny, when I heard Dr. Tom O'Bryan talk about gluten in his Betrayal series it was a huge motivator. This is just a summary so not as effective but maybe it will help.
Hi, and thank you so much for all of that info. It must have taken ages to type it all out! I definitely found that the Liquevisc drops seemed to aggravate a lot, and I will ask doc to change that and suggest one of the others mentioned. I havent heard Bletheritis mentioned to me by either doctor or the optician. So will read up on it. Changing optiticans; I guess I have really. I seem to have a real challenge with them; too many times i have been pressured into buying frames I hate and have never worn- hundreds of pounds wasted, so I wont use them again if that has happened. My local opticians once gave me contact lenses which had one normal size, and the other came from factory the size of a pin head; The optician was really reluctant to admit they had made a mistake - they had, and it was such a hassle,to get him to investigate, so wont use them again. Specsavers, I went to twice, but the frames seem too small for me, so they suggest mens frames which I dont like, and also the branch has the examining room up 3 flights of stairs- hence went to Vision Express. as at the time I couldnt even climb one half a flight, or right now, tbh. Which brings me to this new optician, who has just opened up in my local town, but right now, I don't think I will use him again either, because I was almost hyperventilating and in panic mode ie his hard sell, when I had already asked when I made appt, if it was ok if I didnt buy the frames from them on the day, and possibly not at all.... I find buying glasses the worst ordeal of any shopping experience so want to do it at a relaxed pace and not make a mistake I have to wear on my face for years. So I may not use him again, but I agree, and I would like to find an optician I could trust and have some sort of a patient-practitioner relationship with, which just makes sense..... Smoking- I have not smoked since 1985, and prior to that was only ever a social smoker. But I understand not to have carotene supplements. I like raw carrots anyway so will get a little carotene from them. Will definately get some Omega 7, and I have read a lot on benefit of turmeric..... I am confused my the macushield original and gold? I have bought the original which just has 3 ingredients, when I should have bought the gold I think? I was confused as thier blurb says the original formulation was based on the arreds tests. And then I read about the smoking and carrotene issue and then visited amazon where I read a couple of different brands before going back to macushield....Reading the reviews and also the need for 3 tablets per day fo rthe gold, and thinking that the original formula they mentioned was the arreds based one, I bought that version, but I think I can use it this month and then will change the subscription I set up, to the gold one. Or should I not take the gold one due to having smoked a bit 30 -40 years ago? ( sorry, my brain does not retain info like it used to do) and a lot to take in as I only went to optician and got this diagnosis, on Wednesday.... As to the pictures of my eyeball; he showed me, but didnt really explain ie he pointed out the area, but not in precise detail. To me at least half of my eyeball from the side view I think it must have been, was darkened, but not dark, if that makes sense. The other eye was not so large an area of darkening, but the darkness was more pronounced.....he didnt think I needed to worry about anything imminent, but just to be aware and check my eyes on the grid.... I would like to ask you if I can, about UV light from window, ie if I am working at a counter facing a window would that be harmful and should I stop doing it? It really s the best place to work in my little flat, so would window UV resistant clear film be of use to protect my eyes?... Trying to address everything you mention; I dont use soap on face at all, or babywipes, and dont wear makeup for many years as too irritant... The eyemask with beads; I was reclining ie led down but half upright propped against cushions, but I think my eyes feel very tender and sort of swollen anyway, not bulging at front, but seem tender and swollen behind. So that may settle down and is probably why mask was not comfortable? ...And I take note you mentioned roseceaa, which my current doctor says I have, although my original doctor diagnosed something or other sebohrerriasis ???!!! something like that!! dermatitis which means for about 20 years I have take n 4 x 250mg of antibiotics per day. When ever I try to cut the dosage down, or stop for a few days, I break out in huge thumbnail sized sores, so if anything helps with that, it will be a huge bonus! Tea tree was useless for me. I am qualified as an aromatherapist, or was years ago, so have tried a few aromatherapies, none of which have helped. From what you say, it all sounds linked.... I think that when I was diagnosed with thyroid to begin with, it was such a struggle to even feel human at that point, and the dosage prescribed was useless, so it took several years to get to feeling anywhere near my normal self, and at the same time was piling up a lot of other conditions which were making be feel pretty rough- somewhere along the line, I have been very lazy and took the levothyroxine- dosage for granted and pretty much my thyroid condition has been forgotten and passed by. But at same time I have collected arthritis,a bent over coxxyx, high blood pressure, stomach issues, had 3 knee surgeries and 2 procedures under anesthetic, (day surgeries), continual pain and or tiredness, and now these eye problems, and I spend so much time and energy trying to get doc to believe me for any one of those specific problems, that I have almost forgotten I even have a thyroid condition - I was actually quite surprised when optician asked me about it the other day!! It would be really amazing if some of these issues went away because of supplements! Thank you so much for your help- I feel I have had a through consultation with you, so very kind of you.
linzee3
Will reply to you in detail later today hopefully but that’s thrown up a lot more info/answers.
Oh goodness! I feel for you, really, and hardly anyone listens..except here! Your problems with your body which you list at the end, could have been written by me! On a plus note, I make my own kefir, meant to be really good for the digestion, and got a starter culture form Happy Kombucha, tho I dont think I make enough of it as I should..
Saya85,
Regarding Johnson’s baby shampoo, some time ago I read and was advised to use baby shampoo. I started with a cheapie (Asda own brand, I think). After finding that it did help I switched when I needed a new bottle, to the "genuine" Johnson’s baby shampoo. Immediately found my eyes intolerant of it - causing itchiness.
Further research found at least some sources pointing out that the strict rules apply to baby bath products - not baby shampoo! I didn't try it, but I might have been fine on their baby bath! Maybe Asda get the same stuff put into both baby bath and baby shampoo bottles?
Now I wouldn't use it - because of exactly what you said about stripping oils. At the time, it was the advice pretty much everywhere. Together with "we don't know why it works" - which doesn't actually inspire confidence.
Lol hellvella,
Yes the only advise used to be baby shampoo because of the ‘no tears formula’
There was nothing on the market to treat it. Medicinal products have To go through a longer process than cosmetic products.
Now we finally have a range and shampoo is a great cleaner (so worked Well) but then the cycle continued.
I would say 80% of my patients have some form of blepharitis - air condition heating makeup and other issues all contribute to it so you can imagine how many people are affected.
I have only ever used Johnsons baby shampoo once- and found it to be the harshest shampoo I have ever tried! Nuetrogena Shampoos are worth a try, I think, and a friend of mine swears my the 'Simple' range. I am fairly certain that you can buy proper ( ie from a herbal person or company) herbal shampoos based on Soapwort plant, which would be very gentle - worth a google? I am sure I have seen them when I have been looking for herbal remedies and mixes. I will see if I can find a couple of books I have for making your own shampoo, using gentle natural ingredients but may take a few days before I post them as currently most of my books are double and triple stacked in a glazed bookcase, which unfortunately has a pile of heavy filled trunks in front of it! Have a lovely couple of days tomorrow and boxing day, all of you.
Glaucoma sounds horrible to have to put up with; you have my sympathy. The more I am reading here, the more amazed I am that doctors dont find out more about the connection to thyroid conditions, and other body ills, and act accordingly. And yet they say that it is the master gland, and controls all other body functions. I learnt that when I took Anatomy and Physiology- and it was in the textbooks as basic knowledge. but it seems from everything I read, that doctors don't rate this master gland label as being a clue that other body function might be related? Doesnt make sense does it?
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/214...
Just one of many research papers about VitD .... do you know your level ? Are you supplementing ?
Hello, Marz. No.,I dont know my levels. Will read the link later though. Thank you!
Maybe worth getting tested and treating accordingly. Your level needs to at least 60 ng/L. VitD is more than a vitamin - it is a steroidal pro-hormone as well as being anti-inflammatory. There is a receptor for VitD in every cell of the body so obviously there for a reason
The link covers VitD and Macular de-generation so really worth reading and many other papers alongside which you can read with a click !
Thanks, Marz, I really dont know my Vit d levels- assume that is in blood test results, and i will ask for a copy, to be ready for me to collect when I have doc's appt early in new year. Am just going to read the link now. Thanks.
Well, I read the link, plus a couple alongside, but tbh, it didnt make any sense to me! My brain seems to switch off when it has anything scientific to read, but give me anything folk remedy-escue, or a snippet of random information about any trivial thing, and I can retain the info for 50 years!! However, I will definately check the vit D levels as you suggest, and will post on here for a breakdown of the results.
Hello to all posting here. I was diagnosed with Graves Disease a few years ago, and as typically noted here, GPS don't offer a lot of info to learn about this disease or are they able to answer questions reliably.
I have been suffering with several different issues since the iodine treatment. I'm in the US and have so many questions. My eyes started bothering me immediately after that and no one said anything to me about Thyroid Eye Disease. No one had any answers. Doctors even said My puffy eyes were a natural cause of aging. I have wanted help for so long, but gave up, and so depression set in.
This Forum is the only place that seems to understand and offer help. I will be following and adding questions as I have the time. So much time (years) waisted in misery. Thank you all for sharing. I can't tell you how much this means to me.
Blessings, Carol
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