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Thyroid Gland Disorders
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The thyroid gland, located in the neck, produces thyroid hormone which helps regulate our metabolism. It may produce either too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) or too little (hypothyroidism). Imbalance in either direction can cause eye and vision problems.
Symptoms and Causes
A staring appearance and dry eyes are often the first symptoms of thyroid-related eye problems. Early signs include swelling (edema) of the eyelids and tissues around the eye. Swelling of the normal fatty tissue surrounding the eye can push the eye forward, creating a prominence of protrusion of the eye. The degree of protrusion is variable and may involve one or both eyes. Swelling of the muscles which move the eye may produce double vision. In severe cases, the clear covering of the eye (cornea) may ulcerate, or the optic nerve may be damaged, which results in a permanent loss of vision.
Protrusion and other symptoms of thyroid eye disease may be present even when tests show a normal level of thyroid hormone in the blood (called euthyroid). However, most patients with eye symptoms have abnormal blood levels of thyroid hormone.
Treatment
Once an overactive thyroid gland is suspected, the thyroid function must be evaluated and appropriately treated. The eye disease may continue to progress after the thyroid function is treated and returned to normal. Any residual eye problems should be followed and, if necessary, treated by an ophthalmologist.
Treatment may include artificial tears and ointments, high doses of cortisone, orbital surgery and possible radiation of the orbit, and surgical correction of visible disorders.
Your ophthalmologist at Fort Worth Eye Associates can provide you with more information specific to your case. The above information is not intended to replace a personal exam, medical diagnosis, and/or complete treatment description by an ophthalmologist.
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