Individuals with hyperthyroidism often experience several changes around their eyes. Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland becomes overactive. Thyroid eye disease is characterized by abnormalities like infrequent blinking, staring expression and prominent eyes. These are some of the most common eye abnormalities experienced by people with hyperthyroidism.
Causes of Thyroid Eye Disease
Thyroid hormones are excessively produced in this medical condition called hyperthyroidism. This overactive state is caused by abnormal antibodies that attack the thyroid gland. These abnormal antibodies may also cause inflammation and swelling of the soft tissues that are present around the eyes. These also affect the muscles that help in the movement of the eyes and the eyelids. This may result in a few conditions such as:
- Protrusion of eyes
- Wide opening of eyelids
- Double vision
Symptoms of Thyroid Eye Disease
Most patients start experiencing eye disorders immediately after their thyroid gland becomes overactive. In some cases, these eye disorders may manifest before hyperthyroidism is detected. However, some may not develop these symptoms even after several months or years. Usually, both the eyes are affected simultaneously. But they may not be affected to the same extent.
The most common symptoms of thyroid eye disease are:
- Tearing of the eye
- Ocular irritation
- Pressure around the eyes
- Injury to the cornea
- Eye dryness
Injury to the cornea or eye dryness happens when the eyes are overexposed during the day. Also, difficulty in closing the eyes during night can result in these eye problems. Double vision may occur when the eye movement gets restricted. This happens when the eye muscles are inflamed. Excessive swelling of the eye muscles compress the optic nerve which may lead to progressive vision loss.
The active inflammation usually subsides after several months. Most patients may experience a double vision, lid retraction or some degree of eye protrusion. This may need additional treatment.
