Bloodshot Eye

[Ellie-Louise]

During the first week of August I woke up with a complete bloodshot right eye. It took well over a week to clear. A few days ago it happened again but not as bad. Today it is worse, not better and it’s really bad if I look under my eyelid.

The first time the chemist gave me bloodshot eye drops but when I read the leaflet it says if you have thyroid disease you can’t use them. I couldn’t get through to the pharmacy I bought them from so I called another, and he said defo not use them and the other place should not have sold them to me.

I don’t know what to do, has this happened to anyone else?

[Hollins]

Hi Ellie-Louise

There's lots of possible causes for a red eye. In that it's happened twice I think you need a professional. In some places that's your optometrist or optician. Usually much easier to contact than a GP! Maybe give them a ring for advice? I imagine they'll see you or point you in the right direction. They'll probably want to know what meds you are on.

Best wishes

[Ellie-Louise in reply to Hollins]

Thank you, I will wait for them to open, I only had an eye test a couple of months ago. I’m up an hour earlier…groan!, I thought it was 8:00 and it was only 7:00. Lol

[Alanna012]

Long before I was diagnosed or aware of having autoimmune thyroid disease I had intermittently occurring episodes of red eye. It still happens most days but usually in evening. I unfortunately found the optometrist (s) completely ignorant regarding eye issues with thyroid disease although one did say that levothyroxine is known to cause dry eyes.

[Hidden in reply to Alanna012]

Hypothyroidism is also known to cause dry eyes… and disruption generally of mucous membranes.

When these doctors say “levo” can cause X, I don’t think they realise that what they mean is “all the people we undermedicate and leave on inadequate levo can get dry eyes / *insert miserable chronic symptom here* because we’re leaving them hypothyroid and blaming the levo.”

They are just so stupid.

[PurpleNails Administrator]

What was name of product? I’ve not come across any which said shouldn’t be used of you have thyroid disease. The question I have is why?

Preservative free eye drops should safe for blood shot eye/s.

In past when Ive had eye issues & gone to GP I’ve been sent to optician as they have all the equipment to access eye health & vision.

If there’s any underlying issue they could pick it up & be able to write a referral letter to see specialist.

Some areas have in place a direct referral system & will act as an emergency eye service & liaise directly with hospital specialists.

[Ellie-Louise in reply to PurpleNails]

Optrex Blood shot eye.

boots.com/optrex-bloodshot-...

[PurpleNails Administrator in reply to Ellie-Louise]

I’m sure it’s a disclaimer so if you have any possibly of Thyroid Eye disease it is picked up. So it wouldn’t be an issue short term and won’t affect your levels of hurt your eyes.

Long term switch to preservative free eye drops / gels or wipes.

Sounds nasty, shouldn’t have to pay but best to get it checked. Hope you get answers soon.

[Ellie-Louise in reply to PurpleNails]

They just got back to me, optometrist told me that I have to see doctor for a blood test.

I rang the doctor (because it’s been a year since my thyroid blood test anyway) and was told to send photos so that he could look at them before he rings me back.

What a day! 😒

[PurpleNails Administrator in reply to Ellie-Louise]

Don’t be surprised if they say go to optician… or A&E.

[PurpleNails Administrator in reply to PurpleNails]

Oh & what blood test is required? Did they specify.

[Ellie-Louise in reply to PurpleNails]

The doctor on duty rang me back, she was lovely her voice was very soothing. I didn’t catch her name though.

She had a long talk taking me through it all and then asked whether I was on blood thinners (which I’m not). I told her what the optometrist had said and also told her that I also needed a thyroid b/test, so I read out my list of requirements which she noted on the computer and gave me an appointment for the 20th at 8:00.

I told her that would give me time to stop the biotin sups. then she told me to stop taking D3 because it would affect the test, she is also going to do a clotting test which was what she thought the optometrist probably meant.

Plus, apparently the labs have changed what they will do and unless the TSH needs attention they won’t do T4. Anyway, she has it all down and we are hoping they are all done.

I have to take notes of my blood pressure reading for a week and take it with me. I have to go back if I get changes in vision or any pain.

[Ellie-Louise]

I rang Specsavers, the girl took lots of details and asked me to send photos to them. So my husband took 3 and quite honestly I was shocked. There is a big black clot on the top under my eyelid, that is scary.

I am just waiting for them to get back to me, they are going to call me. If I need an eye health check, that is going to be £25. No freebies there. Lol

[pennyannie in reply to Ellie-Louise]

What about contacting the Thyroid Eye Disease Charitable Trust - tedct.org.uk -

As I understand things there are now units throughout the country, generally attached to large teaching hospitals where both an endocrinologist and an eye consultant work together treating and helping patients with thyroid health issues.

The Trust can at least signpost you to your nearest specialist centre - there could be a walk in service ?

[humanbean]

My husband had an eye injury once and went to our local hospital A&E - they had a separate A&E for eye injuries and sent him there. He was seen much more quickly than he would have been in a standard A&E.

[Hollins]

A&E is certainly an option, they should have a protocol for referring to the ophthalmologists.

You can only ask.

Take a good book.....

[arTistapple]

In Newcastle upon Tyne RVI, there is an actual A&E for eye problems. My husbands optician sent him straight there and he was seen quickly.

[Ellie-Louise]

What happened next is in my reply to PurpleNails.

Also was told it sounded like a Subdural haemorrhage that could even last 2 months. Oh! what fun, sunglasses are in order as are autographs, form an orderly queue… 😎