Eye sight problems

[LucyMiller]

Has anyone else experienced blurred vision or problems with their eye sight?

I have had my eyes tested on several occasions only to be told that there is nothing wrong with my vision. It was my dermatologist who said that those who are suffering from thyroid problems can also experience visual impairment

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

There are at least dozens of reports here - including by me.

Thyroid disorders can affect:

Eyelid droop which, in severe cases, gets in the way of vision;

The eye muscles which control eye movement, focussing, etc.;

The retina which detects light;

The optic nerve which takes the signals into the brain;

The processing within the brain.

I also suspect that it can affect things like the formation of floaters.

There is association between thyroid disease and glaucoma.

Trouble is, you can have difficulties which do not show up on tests. If you simply take longer to focus and recognise what you are seeing, well, maybe the test takes a minute or two longer. A lot of the lesser impact does seem to be like that - you can see things, but you have to concentrate and accept your eyes are working slower.

People have reported loss of colour vision. I felt I had impaired 3D-vision - when I got onto levothyroxine the whole world looks more real and less like a photograph! And many of these impairments do indeed resolve when properly treated.

There is no end to the range of symptoms available with thyroid issues!

Rod

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to helvella]

Meant to include that hypothyroidism can be associated with reduced ability to process beta-carotene into vitamin A which is so essential for vision.

WARNING: Excess vitamin A is dangerous. Be very, very careful and research before even considering taking vitamin A supplements.

[LucyMiller in reply to helvella]

Hi Rod,

Thanks for this - so it'll be back to the specialist then. I seem to spend more time seeing specialists in hospitals these days than anything else since being diagnosed

[Susie05]

I wore glasses from the age of 13. When I started thyroxine at 25 a year later my eyesight improved so much that now at 38 I no longer need glasses. I was told that untreated thyroid problems can cause bad eyesight which the right medication corrects. Maybe have your levels tested .