Can hypothyroidism affect eyes?

Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) isn't usually associated with eye disease. In severe cases, however, hypothyroidism may cause swelling around the eyes and a loss of the hairs in the outer part of the eyebrows.


What do hypothyroid eyes look like?

Thyroid eye disease is a condition in which the eye muscles, eyelids, tear glands and fatty tissues behind the eye become inflamed. This can cause the eyes and eyelids to become red, swollen and uncomfortable and the eyes can be pushed forward ('staring' or 'bulging' eyes).

Can thyroid problems affect your eyes?

Eye problems, known as thyroid eye disease or Graves' ophthalmopathy, affect around 1 in 3 people with an overactive thyroid caused by Graves' disease. Problems can include: eyes feeling dry and gritty. sensitivity to light.


Can thyroid cause blurry vision?

Anyone can get thyroid eye disease, but it's more likely if you have thyroid condition or Graves disease. If you notice that your vision is blurry, or that your eyes are often watery or dry or feel gritty, contact your health provider.

Can hypothyroidism give you blurred vision?

Common eye symptoms in thyroid dysfunction

Unlike Graves' thyroid eye disease, where symptoms are overt, eye-related disease symptoms in hypothyroidism are subtle except in severe cases. Swelling may cause blurry vision due to pressure applied to the optic nerve. Similarly, hypothyroidism may cause dry eyes.


Thyroid problems & How they affect the eyes | Family Eye Care



What are unusual symptoms of hypothyroidism?

Unexpected Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
  • Depression. Hypothyroidism causes the brain to slow down. ...
  • Memory problems. ...
  • Frequent constipation. ...
  • Dry skin. ...
  • Hair loss. ...
  • Changes in the menstrual cycle. ...
  • Infertility. ...
  • High cholesterol.


What are severe symptoms of hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism symptoms may include:
  • Tiredness.
  • More sensitivity to cold.
  • Constipation.
  • Dry skin.
  • Weight gain.
  • Puffy face.
  • Hoarse voice.
  • Coarse hair and skin.


What are the thyroid eye signs?

The patient complains of gritty sensations, photophobia, lacrimation, dry eye, discomfort, and forward protrusion of the eye. In more advanced cases, patient may complain eye socket (orbital) pain, double vision, or blurred vision.


How does Hashimoto's affect the eyes?

The most common Hashimoto-induced thyroid eye disease symptom is dry eyes. Your tear ducts rely on hormones from the thyroid gland to produce lubrication for your eyes. Along with dry eyes, you might experience: Blurred vision.

Can thyroid make you dizzy?

Is dizziness a symptom of a thyroid problem? Yes, dizziness is a symptom of a thyroid problem. Thyroid diseases³ or thyroid abnormalities sometimes manifest as dizziness. A high heart rate, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness are all possible symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Can levothyroxine affect your eyesight?

Like most medications, Synthroid comes with a list of side effects. One of the rarer side effects of Synthroid is that it may cause blurred or double vision and eye pain. These symptoms may stem from swelling caused by taking too much thyroid hormone or an adverse reaction to the medication, like an allergic reaction.


Does low thyroid cause dry eyes?

Dry eyes -- feeling gritty and sore, itching, or burning -- can be related to problems with your thyroid gland. Sometimes they may be the first sign of a thyroid disease.

What does a thyroid storm feel like?

Common signs and symptoms of thyroid storm include: Having a high fever — a temperature between 104 degrees to 106 degrees Fahrenheit is common. Having a rapid heart rate (tachycardia) that can exceed 140 beats per minute. Feeling agitated, irritable and/or anxious.

Can hypothyroidism change your appearance?

“Hypothyroidism can affect facial features in many different ways, including facial puffiness, loss of hair from the outer part of the eyebrows, and in particular, swelling around the eyes,” says Ronald Lechan, MD, PhD, endocrinologist and co-director of the Hypothalamic and Pituitary Disease Center at Tufts Medical ...


Is there a test for thyroid eye disease?

Clinical Testing and Workup

Affected individuals may undergo thyroid function tests to detect an underlying cause of thyroid eye disease such as Graves' disease or hypothyroidism. These tests can detect elevated levels of thyroid hormones or antibodies in the blood.

Can thyroid eye recover?

Will my eyes go back to normal after treatment? Most patients think once their medical doctor treats the body's thyroid problem the eyes will go back to normal. This is often not the case. In some patients the eyes worsen in the months and years after medical treatment despite the body being stabilized.

What are severe symptoms of Hashimoto's?

Eventually, the decline in thyroid hormone production can result in any of the following:
  • Fatigue and sluggishness.
  • Increased sensitivity to cold.
  • Increased sleepiness.
  • Dry skin.
  • Constipation.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness.
  • Joint pain and stiffness.


What are the symptoms of Hashimoto's flare up?

Symptoms of a Hashimoto's thyroiditis flare-up
  • Goiter. A noticeably enlarged thyroid called a goiter is one of the most common symptoms of Hashimoto's disease. ...
  • Unexplained weight gain. ...
  • Fatigue. ...
  • Skin changes. ...
  • Muscle aches and joint pain. ...
  • Constipation. ...
  • Cold intolerance. ...
  • Fertility problems.


What organs does Hashimoto's affect?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis can cause your thyroid to not make enough thyroid hormone. It is an autoimmune disease. It occurs when your body makes antibodies that attack the cells in your thyroid. Symptoms may include an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), tiredness, weight gain, and muscle weakness.

What is the last stage of hypothyroidism?

Myxedema crisis (also called myxedema coma), the most severe form of hypothyroidism, is rare. It occurs when thyroid hormone levels get very, very low.


What makes hypothyroidism worse?

Eating foods that have large amounts of iodine—such as kelp, dulse, or other kinds of seaweed—may cause or worsen hypothyroidism. Taking iodine supplements can have the same effect. If you are pregnant, you need more iodine because the baby gets iodine from your diet.

What is a major complication of hypothyroidism?

If you have an untreated underactive thyroid, your risk of developing cardiovascular disease is increased. This is because having low levels of the hormone thyroxine can lead to increased levels of cholesterol in your blood.

What does untreated hypothyroidism feel like?

Hypothyroidism is a common condition where the thyroid doesn't create and release enough thyroid hormone into your bloodstream. This makes your metabolism slow down. Also called underactive thyroid, hypothyroidism can make you feel tired, gain weight and be unable to tolerate cold temperatures.


What do your hands look like if you have hypothyroidism?

Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism can show up in the hands and nails. Hypothyroidism can cause dermatologic findings such as nail infection, vertical white ridges on the nails, nail splitting, brittle nails, slow nail growth, and nails lifting up.

What foods should you avoid if you have hypothyroidism?

Fats may also interfere with the thyroid's ability to produce hormone as well. Some healthcare professionals recommend that you cut out all fried foods and reduce your intake of fats from sources such as butter, mayonnaise, margarine, and fatty cuts of meat.