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Thyroid eye disease
When your thyroid affects your eyes.
Thyroid eye disease, often linked to Graves' disease, causes swelling of the muscles and tissue around the eyes. It can make the eyes bulge, feel dry and gritty, and sometimes cause double vision. Eye doctors help manage symptoms and connect you with treatment.
About 1 in 3 people with Graves’ disease.
The National Eye Institute says about 1 in 3 people with Graves' disease develop eye problems, and smoking raises the risk.
Symptoms to mention to your doctor.
Bulging eyes
The eyes look more open or pushed forward.
Dry, gritty eyes
Lids may not close fully over the eye.
Puffy eyelids
Swelling that does not go away.
Double vision
Especially when looking up or to the side.
Light sensitivity
Bright light feels uncomfortable.
Pressure or pain
An ache behind or around the eyes.
Your eye doctor is part of the team.
Eye doctors check vision, eye movement and the health of the eye surface, and watch for rare but serious pressure on the optic nerve.
Treatments have advanced.
Along with lubricants and prisms, there is an FDA-approved IV infusion for thyroid eye disease, given every three weeks for eight treatments. Your doctors will decide whether it suits you.
The biggest lifestyle step
Quitting smoking helps.
Smoking increases the risk of eye problems in Graves' disease. Stopping is one of the most helpful things you can do for your eyes.
Comfort care every day.
Lubricating drops by day, ointment at night, sunglasses outdoors and raising the head of your bed can ease dryness and puffiness.
Before your visit.
Bring thyroid records
Recent lab results and treatment history.
Note vision changes
Double vision, blur or changes in color brightness.
List medicines
Including thyroid medicines and eye drops.
Common next steps.
What the exam checks.
Vision, eye movements, eyelid position, the eye surface and the optic nerve. Some offices also measure how far the eyes protrude.
Ease dry, exposed eyes.
Ask your eye doctor which lubricants fit your symptoms.
Preservative-free drops
Lubricating drops without preservatives, for frequent daytime use.
Shop Optase Intense
Overnight ointment
A thicker, preservative-free layer for eyes that dry out while you sleep.
Shop Hylo NightKeep exploring.
Fast answers.
Does it affect both eyes?
It usually affects both eyes, though you may notice symptoms in only one at first.
How long does it last?
It is often mild. Symptoms usually last one to two years and frequently settle on their own, though treatment can help in the meantime.
Does the IV treatment have side effects?
Yes. Hearing changes, high blood sugar and infusion reactions are among the warnings, so you are monitored during treatment.
Who treats thyroid eye disease?
Usually a team: your primary or thyroid doctor, an eye doctor and sometimes an eye-socket specialist.
Have your eyes checked.
Find an eye doctor near you with the Vision Rescue doctor locator.
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Sources and notes
- National Eye Institute: Graves' eye disease
- MedlinePlus: Graves disease
- Exam-room and showroom photography are owned Eye Care Advisors assets approved for use by Vision Rescue.
- Full source list: Vision Rescue sources
This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Only an eye care professional who has examined you can recommend what is right for your eyes.
