Hail, thryodies. A poster recently commented on a post to a new subscriber that any thyroid condition could result in damage to the eyes. This is contrary to my understanding as I had thought that only with hyperthyroidism is there a possibility of thyroid eye disease. Could a wise one illuminate for me? TIA
Eyes - a question: Hail, thryodies. A poster... - Thyroid UK
Eyes - a question
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Rapunzel
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PurpleNailsAdministrator
Thyroid UK tick box of symtoms for hypothyroidism
thyroiduk.org/wp-content/up...
heavy eye lids
Visual Disturbances.
Poor focusing
Double vision
Dry/gritty eyes
Blurred vision
Puffy eyes
TED - thyroid eye disease, is often thought of as only occurring along side Graves. This is not the case as can occur with hashis & in those without apparent thyroid issues including without positive antibodies.
Blimey, that's a list and a half Purple, and no mistake. Not a shopping list I'd like to have... Thanks x
Blimey is right
I’ve got half of those listed!!!! Another point win for hashis!!!!!!
That is a good starting list, but it could go on and on. Here's a few more:
● Problems coping with bright light (e.g. night driving and oncoming headlamps).
● Impaired colour vision to the extent of virtual monochrome vision.
● Poor vision in low light levels.
● Intolerance of flashing lights.
● Impaired visual perception including 3D perception.
● Reduced eyelashes - sparser, thinner, slower-growing.
● Higher Age-Related Macular Degeneration Risk.
● Some relationship between hypothyroidism and glaucoma.
● Possibly some relationship to cataracts.
I’m definitely light intolerant these days, preferring the gloom of lamps over ceiling lights and a sunglasses habit to rival Bono. Although I’m not a fan of wrap-arounds. Or U2.
Can’t handle stripey clothing anymore either! Makes me feel nauseous.
Oh heck
It’s such a giving disease isn’t it?
I can tick off most of these although didn’t realise the low light thing was a thyroid thing. Fabulous! 🙄
Generous to a fault. 
On the positive, explains why I like candlelight!
Bugger, had my eyes lasered about 15 or so years ago. Never had any issues with eyes growing up, come to think of it first time I got glasses was about 3 or 4 years after thyroidectomy. Eventually got to the point were I couldn't see what I was doing without them. Final straw was trying to work on my allotment, it was raining , why can't they make windscreen wipers for glasses, couldn't see through the rain but couldn't see without. I could tick almost all of the symptoms mentioned , never knew. My kids think I am a right old fogey , always moaning about drivers lights, start rabbiting about " years ago they had adverts on telly , Don't dazzle dip, " you can hear their eyes rolling.
Eye rolls are aggressive, according to The Metro today. Tell them to stop it with the micro-aggressions, Polo!
Also thyroid reduced eyebrows allow sweat to run into eyes. Thinking of gluing guttering.
Hi,
Interesting best book that eye test I've been putting off, I have hashimotos, but they're looking into shogrens too.....I have most on the list along with random led blue lights that appear in my vision recently 😕when tested I have no tears....
Thank you🙋🏻♀️
Hi Ontherun, is no tears a thyroid 'bonus', I have no tears when I cry even.
HI thyr01d,
Only when I don't have waterproof mascara on!😂seriously though my eyes get very sore and red, blurry vision etc, same with dry mouth constantly have to chew piece of gum as artificial spray or pastilles don't work🤷 xx
I just read your post on related eye disorders, Helvella. Have you any research links about higher age-related macular degeneration risk, which is one of the conditions you mention?
Have a look here:
europepmc.org/search?query=...
The first paper (as I checked just now) is titled Thyroid Disease Is Associated with Higher Age-Related Macular Degeneration Risk: Results from a Meta-Analysis of Epidemiologic Studies. There could be many more which are relevant or of interest if you carry on browsing through.
Helvella, thank you so much. That’ll keep me occupied for a while.
Well that answers a few questions! I keep getting my glasses changed and think there’s a problem with my lens. I can’t seem to focus on my computer some days.
I also avoid night driving, I really struggle with the oncoming traffic’s headlights!
I find with my glasses on, and kind of averting my eyes shown there’s oncoming cars (I know this sounds ridiculous but I mean slightly to the side and down) I can drive ok at night, but where I struggle most is the low light.
I regularly walk the dog along a path that passes along a tree lined path for a while. It’s the most beautiful place, but I regularly find I can hardly see! My husband laughs at me as for that short distance, I really need my glasses on! It’s just the change in light, and until now I didn’t really realise it was a thyroid thing, despite knowing all the other things were! Makes total sense
Same!
Unfortunately I have all but one. X
Does TED also apply to people without a thyroid?
TED is entirely possible in someone after a thyroidectomy.
I do not know if this is possible in someone who never developed a thyroid.
This is good confirmation for my growing eye pains .. I just never thought TED for my issues because of being thyroid-less.
My understanding of TED was that it is actually an autoimmune disease on its own. Since it often occurred to people with Graves it was thought that the two belonged together. Now it is believed that, like other autoimmune diseases attract additional autoimmune conditions, people with Graves are more prone to attract this condition which attacks the muscles and fatty tissue behind the eye and thus causes inflammation. Smokers apparently are also more prone to get TED. It seems to me that anybody can get TED. However, it could be more common in people with AIT.
RedAppleAdministrator
PurpleNails compiled this amazing list of references on this very subject for us!
===========================================================
Frontiers in Endocrinolgy
Thyroid eye disease or Graves’ orbitopathy: What name to use, and why it matters
frontiersin.org/articles/10...
“While most cases occur in the setting of the autoimmune hyperthyroidism caused by Graves’ disease, about 10% of patients will not be hyperthyroid at the time of the ophthalmic diagnosis”
===========================================================
GPonline
gponline.com/expert-opinion...
“In most cases TED is related to Graves' hyperthyroidism, although some patients will have no measurable abnormality of thyroid gland function.”
===========================================================
BTF
btf-thyroid.org/thyroid-eye...
“In most patients, the same autoimmune condition that causes TED also affects the thyroid gland, resulting in Graves’ disease. Graves’ disease most commonly causes thyroid overactivity (hyperthyroidism) but can also rarely cause thyroid underactivity (hypothyroidism). TED can occur in people when their thyroid is overactive, underactive or functioning normally”
===========================================================
National Center for Biotechnology Information
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...
The Pathophysiology of Thyroid Eye Disease (TED): Implications for Immunotherapy
“TED is most commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, however patients may be hypothyroid or euthyroid.”
It is also interesting that autoantibodies formation is not always present.
So this would explain how TED can occur without TRab, but the severity can be closely correlated.
“The proximate cause for hyperthyroidism in GD (Graves’ disease) is secondary to activating autoantibodies to TSHR. However, TED can present independent of GD, endocrinologic manifestations or autoantibody formation. Generation of activating antibodies against the TSHR correlates with TED severity, but there is currently no evidence to indicate that autoantibody production is the cause of ophthalmopathy.”
===========================================================
National Center for Biotechnology Information
Thyroid Association Ophthalmopathy in Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: a Case Report
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...
“Thyroid associated ophthalmopathy can sometimes occur in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis …..”
===========================================================
Prevent blindness
preventblindness.org/thyroi...
“Thyroid eye disease is most commonly associated with Graves’ disease. It can also occur with normal thyroid hormone levels or low levels of thyroid hormones
(hypothyroidism).”
===========================================================
Healthy women
healthywomen.org/condition/...
“TED is also known as Graves' ophthalmopathy or Graves eye Disease because 9 in 10 people have Graves”
“Less commonly, TED can happen to people who have hyperthyroidism without Graves or have hypothyroidism a condition where the thyroid doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone”
===========================================================
Thyroid eye disease
thyroideyedisease.org/categ...
“TED often occurs in conjunction with autoimmune thyroid diseases such as Graves’ disease (90%) or Hashimoto thyroiditis (3%)”
===========================================================
University of Iowa
webeye.ophth.uiowa.edu/eyef...
“More recently, TED has also been noted in Hashimoto's thyroiditis as well as in the absence of a thyroid dysfunction.”
==========================================================
PurpleNailsAdministrator
Minor eye issues eg dry eye can usually be simply managed, we do hear of people with more serious collection of eye symptoms concerned about TED. Many are told by professional that they can’t have with hypothyroid or in my case the “wrong sort” of hyper.
This post may be of interest as includes a list articles showing TED occuring in hypothyroid, euthyroid & TRab negative.
Bit of a revelation this post - I’m amazed just reading the replies that I have never associated my eye problems with having hashis.
Cataracts, sensitivity to light, Blepharitis, dry eye, glaucoma, retinal detachment (twice, haven’t seen this listed here), uveitis (inflammation). I also had toxoplasmosis infection which wrecked the eyesight of one eye. Wondering if I was susceptible to that because of hashis too.
I now know I have been undiagnosed hypothyroid since a child -
I was being treated for conjunctivitis by my doctor but not getting any better and so went to see my optician on my first day off, who after looking at my eyes, put me in a taxi to go immediately to Moorfields Eye Hospital in City Road London.
Diagnosed at Moorfields age 38 in around 1985 with iritis in both eyes and had emergency laser treatment and told I was then classed as a life long O/P and to come back any time - which I did intermittently over the next 10 years or so - and given steroid eye drops to keep in the fridge to use at times of ' flares ' .
Diagnosed Graves Disease aged 56 in 2003/4 - ( a few months after being physically threatened and verbally abused by a man I employed as my assistant manager ) and my eyes were never checked though I remember saying I had mild pain in one eye - had RAI thyroid ablation 2005 and developed TED around 2 years later:
Just reading around on the Moorfield website and now they now suggest AI disease as a possible cause for iritis - though back in 1985 my bloods were not taken.
On offering my medical history of a very sore lower back and bouts of sciatica Moorfields suggestion was I likely had inflammation on my spine and to go and see a doctor, so I did, and prescribed NSAIDs again - the only drug that ever helped with my symptoms was Diclofenic but found it increasingly difficult to get prescribed in primary care.
Looking back I think these health issues related - knowledge is emerging though not quick enough for those suffering the consequences.
I didn't include iritis because I do not know if thyroid issues contributed to my three bouts - and have not seen any suggestions that thyroid disorder makes iritis more likely.
However, now that you mention it, I'm wondering...
I had one bout of iritis many years ago, it was unbelievably painful. I was told it was likely associated with auto immune disease. At the time my “diagnosis” was sero negative polyarthritis and iritis is common with this. Over the years it changed to fibromyalgia and eventually I was diagnosed with Hashis. They’re words at the end of the day doesn’t change what I have and I dunno what “caused” what but that’s the nature of auto immune “disease” isn’t it? I certainly have trouble with night driving, lack of clarity and blinding lights of other cars, I avoid as much as I can, specially living in dark narrow country lanes! 💜
it was unbelievably painful.
True!
And I was advised if ever I have another occurrence, I should seek medical attention urgently.
So glad you posted as I was wondering. I have lots of eye problems, dry eyes, gritty, puffy, always look dull not bright and clear etc. I was sure this was related to something other than the menopause.
Literally had an eye appointment yesterday- complained about dry and often itchy eyes. My eyelashes also more sparse- and eyebrows. But not head hair, oddly.
Opthalmic optician confirmed hypothyroidism DOES affect the eyes. Several of the factors Helleva mentions were discussed. Had quite a long chat about it amd other health conditions that impact eye health.
He recommends using Hycosan eyedrops for the dryness - the blue or green bottles for me - and encouraging tear ducts to flow by putting a warm moist towel over the eyes.
Yes Hycosan is excellent very soothing. My optician recommended putting it in as you lie down to sleep and keep your eyes shut from then. It works well, when you wake up they are not at all dry.
I stopped wearing contacts around 15 years ago, I used to joke with colleagues that my eyes had dried up because of the menopause...well, skin and foo-foo were heading in that direction, so I thought, well, eyes too, I suppose... 😂🤪
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK
Just thinking still further, and I had meant to make mention of something which is not usually considered an eye issue - but has a profound impact on vision: Migraine.
Nowadays I don't get full migraines but sometimes go through aura-only, visual migraines. Maybe isolated. Maybe a few in a short period.
I have just started with those known as scintillating scotoma.
I have had three since Christmas, but only one ever before that
Yes - sometimes very much the classic form of scintillating scotoma. But they do vary. Some of the videos below are quite good representations of what I often see.
(These are linked for image reasons alone - I skipped most of the rest. No endorsement of people or products intended.)
Scintillating Scotomas Can Be Awesome!
youtube.com/watch?v=L4dwv3f...
My Experience with Scintillating Scotoma (Visual Migraine/Aura)
youtube.com/watch?v=5_m9dya...
Migraine Visual Aura
youtube.com/watch?v=qVFIcF9...
This one provides some statistics and medical information. Again, any treatment suggestions are NOT endorsed - I simply do not know.
Ocular Migraine (Retinal Migraine) vs. Migraine Aura EXPLAINED | How to treat and prevent
youtube.com/watch?v=NTBbRqv...
There are probably hundreds if you look!
It is interesting that the energy centres of the body ( Chakras) are different colours.
Top comment , h. I get this sometimes, and in deference to my old man, who gets full on migraines, I call mine 'The Sparkles'.
Having had full-on migraines - you are being thoughtful and considerate.
Last year, or year before, I had one that was so beautiful I was to cry as it faded and eventually disappeared. Such an incredibly different experience. But I can still feel a bit nauseous.
Bit like dropping acid, dude, but without the proscription
Funnily enough, I've literally just reached the end of this video in which they discuss the healthy aspects of fungi, psilocybin and LSD:
Ah yes lovely migraines, I always get the full package, aura, unable to see, then the pain and nausea. As mine have now morphed into vestibular migraines I get light headed, dizzy and incredibly sensitive hearing. Hypo, truly the gift that keeps on giving 😔
Morning All, I've had a thyroid problem for about 40 years and I think I can tick a lot of those boxes too, I didn't notice , but I may have overlooked it , bulging eye , I have a a bulging eye ,which has a cataract but is too damaged for removal to improve my vision, amazingly my other eye has almost perfect vision since they removed a cataract 6 months ago ,after all these years I thought I understood my tyroidisum but clearly I am still learning, sorry for long post .
hi, yes it’s another problem to deal with, they took my thyroid out 3 years ago and I’ve had trouble with my eyes since, blepharitis, photosensitivity, etc etc
my friend and I who are both hypothyroid discovered we both keep on mistakenly being diagnosed as having keratoconus by different opticians then when we are referred to hospital each time they say no you haven’t got it! Not sure if there is a link.
Lots of great information on this thread. I think the conclusion is to make sure to tell your optician about your thyroid issues and make sure to get checked regularly. I told my opticians and they make sure I see their most qualified/experienced person.
Buddy195Administrator
I have Hashimotos with TED; ongoing symptoms are dry eye (I use HycoSan or Hyloforte regularly in the day) and light sensitivity. I need to wear night driving glasses as this is definitely an issue for me. I wear reactive lenses all the time, as even a small amount of sunlight can still cause me pain. Thankfully my eye swelling has significantly reduced with optimal thyroid medication (I take T3 and T4) but my eye alignment has certainly changed. I’ve learned to cope with this… and think wearing glasses detracts from the issue!
I agree it must affect both Hypo and Hyper. I have Hypo/Hashi’s and have most of the problems on the list. Also intermittent very penetrating eyeball pain in my right eye. I’ve mentioned it on numerous occasions to GP, Optician, Doctor doing cataract op etc. and no-one seemed either interested or had anything helpful to say. Someone in this forum sometime ago mentioned Hylo-Forte which I’d never heard of and that really helps for the feeling of dryness and of something in the eye, which is horrible.
What is Hylo-Forte? Eyedrops
Yes.
Eye Drops
Thank you Kazania, I will look out for that because I too have that horrible feeling as if there is something in my eye, isn't it especially nasty when it's during the night!
Unfortunately, hypothyroidism can cause eye issues too. My hypothyroidism was caused by Hashimoto’s. I think I’ve read higher numbers but this thyroid.org/patient-thyroid... states that “Thyroid-associated eye disease occurs in 6% of patients with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.”
I have eye issues—dry, red, sometimes a dull pain in my eyes—note, the pain is not excruciating, thank goodness, but I feel it and I know that I used to not “feel” anything in my eyes—they were just there and worked—oh the good old days 😊
I’ve asked my ophthalmologist about TED and he said I don’t have it, but not having TED doesn’t mean that one’s hypothyroidism won’t cause eye issues, dry eye, blurred vision, etc. I use unmedicated eye drops throughout the day and that helps with the dry eye and with the blurred vision.
wow this is an eye opener! No pun intended! I have no thyroid and went to the optician 6 months ago complaining of a blurred ‘object’ that moved with my eye movement … he said I had dry eyes but I knew that’s not the case so recently have made an appointment with a different optician for 2nd opinion… I was thinking cataract which first optician categorically ruled out but it seems after reading this maybe it’s just thyroid related. Is this reversible if meds are optimum? I’ve never reached that stage which is why I ask…
Is your blurred object that moves with your eye movement not a floater? My daughter has them and they can flare up when stressed or, I think, inflamed.
can only give my own , Hashimotos experience
My problem began many years ago with excessively dry eyes .. so for many years have used An eye ointment specifically for this condition .. I mai ku use it at night , or most particularly , in morning when waking or when. Getting up ..
My eyes improve or deteriorate depending on how good or bad my thyroid status is in general …
Wow thanks for all the replies and advice , I intend to speak to my gp ,thanks again .
Amazeballs! Look at our fab community of thyroid warriors!
I will add to the list a macular hole in one eye which is of unknown origin and possibly hormone related and blurred vision in the same eye courtesy of my eyes becoming myopic at different strengths which now exceed 3 diopters which means my eye synchronisation is off. And joy of joys, as I am a woman all of these can be related to both hypothyroism and sex hormones and being postmenopausal even the unbalanced HRT can cause fluctuations in my vision on top of everything. Just fab!
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