What Are Thyroid Gland Disorders

The thyroid gland, located in the neck, produces a thyroid hormone which helps
regulate our metabolism. It may produce either too much of the thyroid hormone
(hyperthyroidism) or too little (hypothyroidism). Imbalance in either direction
can cause eye and vision problems.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include fatigue, fast heartbeat, weight loss, heat
intolerance, fine hair and diarrhea. Hypothyroidism may also cause fatigue, but
with slow heartbeat, constipation and weight gain.

What Are The Symptoms Of Thyroid-Related Eye Problems

A staring appearance and dry eyes are often the first symptoms. 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 eyes forward creating a
prominence or 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.

Can Thyroid Disease Occur Even If Thyroid Function Tests Are Normal

Yes. 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.

How Is Thyroid Eye Disease Treated

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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.

Two phases of eye treatment should be considered. The first phase involves
treating the active eye disease. The active period, requires careful monitoring
until stable. The second phase involves correcting unacceptable permanent
changes which persist following stabilization of the active phase.

Treatment during the active phase of the disease focuses on preserving sight.
Medical treatment, such as Artificial Tears and ointments, high doses of
cortisone (steroids), orbital surgery and possible radiation of the orbit, may
be required. In the second phase, treatment of permanent changes may require
surgical correction of double vision, staring appearance or eye protrusion.

Most of the procedures performed to correct these problems are done under local
anesthesia. And all of the procedures are out-patient procedures.

Preventive Measures To Be Taken

Eye disease can strike at any age. Many eye diseases do not cause symptoms until
the disease has done damage. It is important to have regular eye examinations to
prevent or treat eye diseases before they start or become worse.