Hashimotos and swollen eyelids

[A1Amber]

I have had eyelid swelling for about 2 years. At first thinking it may be an allergy I changed everything that may have been the cause. I reported it to my GP via Ask My Doctor but he was not concerned. In April I had an eye test at Specsavers and the swelling was noticed. I was asked to have a field of vision test and told I needed investigation as the swelling was creating a problem. I have had an appointment with NewMedica but no mention of my thyroid was made.the result of this being a further appointment with an occupast specialist. Has anyone any advice please?

[Buddy195 Administrator]

Can you share your thyroid blood results with us A1Amber; it may be that they are not optimal for you. Also, have you tested folate, ferritin, B12 and vitamin D levels?

Regarding your eyes, have you experienced any other symptoms such dryness, double vision, protrusion of eye, pain behind the eye? If you are concerned, it may be worth asking for a referral to a TED specialist ophthalmologist. I have TED with Hashimotos, although it is more common with Graves’ disease.

[A1Amber in reply to Buddy195]

Triiodothronine 3.49 pmol/L (3.1 -6.8)T4 16.4 pmol/L (11.0 - 23.0)

TSH 1.2 mul/L (0.27 - 4.5)

B12 461 ng/L (197 - 77)

Folate 4.2 ug/L (2 - 18.7)

Ferretin 147 ug/L (20 - 260)

Vit D 77nmol/L

[A1Amber in reply to Buddy195]

I am on 200mg thyroxine a day

[A1Amber in reply to Buddy195]

Any advice most appreciated.

[Buddy195 Administrator]

You could certainly do with an increase in Levothyroxine as your FT3/ FT4 results are low in the range.

Are you supplementing B12? Is so, it may be beneficial to swap to a B Complex to improve your folate levels, which ideally should be over 10. I take Thorne Basic B.

As previous reply, are you experiencing any other eye symptoms?

[A1Amber in reply to Buddy195]

Are the T3 and T4 results on the top of the list I sent? I have had pain particularly on my left eye. More a stabbing pain. I am ok looking ahead but side vision restricted from the swollen eyelids. It may not be related to thyroid.

[Buddy195 Administrator]

I too had a stabbing pain and the TED specialist ophthalmologist recommended ibuprofen, taken with food. I tried various diuretics to reduce swelling but these didn’t work for me. If swelling is worse on a morning, keep your head raised in bed; use 2 pillows

Advice is also to take selenium 200ug daily whilst eyes are troublesome, reducing to 100ug after 6 months. Studies have shown this is helpful in mild/ moderate TED.

I’d definitely look to see a TED specialist ophthalmologist for a second opinion. TEDct are a useful support group & helped me find a specialist in my area. My eye swelling reduced considerably when T3 was high in the range (Opthalmologist recommended addition of Liothyronine when I couldn’t achieve this on Levothyroxine alone). If you have dry eyes use preservative free drops like HycoSan or Hyloforte. If your eyes are light sensitive, wear sunglasses (even indoors if needed).

[A1Amber in reply to Buddy195]

Thank you for your advice. My eyes are very sensitive to light. My eye appointment is 6th Sept. My gp says my thyroid levels are fine! Since he holds the key to that I have had an online appointment with an endocrinologist who requested these tests for Vit Folate etc be done. I have not yet had a follow up. At £200 for the first telephone appointment and £170 for the next to discuss the results it's quite an expensive business! One test the endocrinologist requested was for a 24 urine test. The GP refused to do this! The other tests were done as they had never been done in relation to my thyroid problem. At the end of the day - if I can't afford it then I shall have to grin and bear it.

[Buddy195 Administrator in reply to A1Amber]

I get thyroid & key vitamins tested with Medichecks (often discounted on Thursdays) and email copy to endocrinologist prior to appointment.

I received great advice and support from TEDct. They run a telephone advice line, hold regular webinars and have a Facebook group.

tedct.org.uk

Please be reassured, my eyes now look nothing like they did 18 months ago, so try not to panic. For me, huge sunglasses and bright lipstick helped me have confidence to face the world. Please keep posting if you need any further advice or support.

I recommend you take ongoing photos of your eyes/ alignment and store in ‘hidden’ on your phone, as you don’t want to be looking at them all the time. Having this bank of photos over time is useful when I have both endocrinology and ophthalmology appointments.

I also take lutein & zeazanthin (Eye complex 7 on Amazon) for overall eye health, so this is worth considering if you have any concerns about your vision.

pennyannie and PurpleNails always have good advice re eyes, so will copy them in.

[shaws Administrator]

You could have a condition called blepharitis.

You need an expert to diagnose and treat and some local optitioners have someone who can diagnose/prescribe for you.

"Blepharitis can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. Testing, with special emphasis on the eyelids and the front surface of the eyeball, may include".

aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-an...

[A1Amber in reply to shaws]

Hi thank you for your assistanceI have been examined and scanned at NewMedica by an opthalmic surgeon. He has referred me to a colleague who is an occupast surgeon. Hopefully I will soon have a diagnosis.