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Thyroid Eye Disease

Thyroid Eye Disease - What it is

Thyroid eye disease is an eye condition related to thyroid disease. Thyroid hormones produced by the thyroid gland in the neck regulate metabolism in the body.

Patients with excessive thyroid hormone in the circulation (hyperthyroidism) can develop eye diseases and they may have any of the following symptoms:

  • Neck swelling from an enlarged thyroid gland (goitre)
  • Intolerance to heat
  • Sweatiness
  • Increase in appetite and loss of weight
  • Tremors
  • Palpitations
  • Tiredness
  • Anxiety, nervousness and bad temper

     

The most significant, but rare, complication of thyroid disease is loss of vision due to compression of the optic nerve by swollen tissues around the eye. Swelling of the orbital tissues can cause the eyes to bulge outwards and limit the eye's ability to close the eyelids, exposing the front surface of the eye and causing irritation and damage to the cornea. Patients can also suffer from double vision due to marked swelling and stiffening of eye muscles.

Thyroid Eye Disease - How to prevent?

Thyroid Eye Disease - Diagnosis

Thyroid Eye Disease - Preparing for surgery

Thyroid Eye Disease - Post-surgery care

Thyroid Eye Disease - Other Information

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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