Thyroid eye disease can occur in people who have an overactive, underactive or even normal thyroid gland function. It occurs when the muscles and fat in your eye sockets become inflamed and swell. Most commonly this is due to an autoimmune disease that attacks the normal tissues in your thyroid gland and eyes.
Symptoms of Thyroid Eye Disease
- Dry eyes
- Gritty feeling
- Bulging eyes
- Eye redness and swelling
- Double vision
- Upper eyelid retraction
- Irritation
- Light sensitivity
- Decreased vision
- Eye pain
Besides impacting vision and causing discomfort, serious cases of thyroid eye disease can cause permanent damage to the optic nerve. Regular eye exams are essential to monitor any signs of thyroid eye disease, especially if you have a thyroid disorder or a family history of the disease.