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Eye problem

Posted , 5 users are following.

Samy3
Samy3

Hi again everyone I was thinking if u can help me me I'm in a remission from graves disease every time my tsh blood results are normal within range but my since I got this graves disease my vision has messed up I have seen by the eye specialist twice and she said I don't have graves eye disease but I have dry eyes and lid retraction in my right eye if my lab results are normal then y my vision is getting worse and on top of that my pain in my neck is not going anywhere its on the same side where I had goiter keep trying to explain this to my GP but no answers I get bad migraines and sinus infections my neck is so tender so painful pls if anyone has experienced the same symptoms whilst they r in remission and they have a goiter ...can u guys help me I'm struggling everyday ...thanks.... Samy

1 like, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • Guest
    Guest Samy3

    Posted

    Hi Samy3, some patients have thyroid eye disease without being hyperthyroid. (Conversely, some patients have Graves' disease and are hyperthyroid but do not experience the typical eye symptoms.) 

    Since you have Graves' disease you are at a slightly higher risk, compared to the general population, of having other autoimmune disorders. One such disorder is Sjögren's syndrome and it also causes eyes problems. 

    https://patient.info/doctor/sjogrens-syndrome-pro

    I also have problems with red, dry and gritty eyes, especially in the morning. Lately, I have not been able to wear contact lenses.

    These are the things I do to manage my dry eyes. 

    1) Regular warm compresses. Soak two cotton pads with warm water and then place them over your eyelids for a few seconds. After they cool down repeat the procedure for a few more times. I find the warmth soothing and it can help stimulate the flow of tears and may unblock tear glands (located at the upper outer corner of the eyes).  

     I tend to do this in the morning.

    2) Flush your eyes in saline. You can buy sterile saline in large plastic containers. Some come with a small plastic pot with a rounded rim that fits over one eye. You fill the pot to the rim with saline, insert your eye and blink. This will help remove grit and leave your eye refreshed. 

    3) Apply artificial tear drops throughout the day. I would recommend some that are slightly viscous and contain Sodium Hyaluronate. I use Clinitas eye drops. They come in 20 resealable 0.5 ml containers and are great when travelling. 

    Regarding your neck pain, your thyroid may be enlarged even if you are euthyroid. Make sure that you get enough Iodine (daily requirement 150 micrograms) but be careful not to exceed that as it may cause hyperthyroidism. An iodine deficient diet may cause thyroid enlargement. If you still have problems and tenderness you could have an ultrasound scan to measure the volume of your thyroid. 

    Since you have sinus infections, keep in mind that there are a lot of lymph nodes in the neck area. Swollen lymph nodes can cause tenderness.  

     

    • Samy3
      Samy3 Guest

      Posted

      Hi Dan than u so much for the help I'm using the artificial eye drops and yes in the morning eyes r really bad like u said but I will try the therapy of soaking cotton clothe in the water ...and yes u r absoulotely right that even I'm euthyroid I still have that goiter there did ask GP so many time and answer was oh they already did it for u and that was in 2016 when I was diagnosed and now they can't do it again bcs its an expensive test ....went to the other 111 doctor he said I will write back to ur GP that they should check this out again but GP did not pay any attention they do test other things but not treating the root cause for those issues ...is it possible Dan that u have normal blood results but u still have some symptoms ?thanks

    • Samy3
      Samy3

      Posted

      Sorry forgot to ask u said taking iodine if I do take iodine would it help with pain and symptoms? And from where I can buy the iodine tablets....thank u so much
    • Guest
      Guest Samy3

      Posted

      Hi Samy3, I became hyperthyroid in January. Before that, I did not take anti-thyroid medication for more than a year.

      In the UK, the main sources of Iodine are dairy products and fish. So if you regularly consume these you should be fine. I would absolutely not recommend Iodine supplements in the form of tablets of seaweed powder.

      I will send the Iodine Food Fact Sheet of the Association of UK Dieticians. Hope it is of interest.  

    • Samy3
      Samy3 Guest

      Posted

      I'm not on any thyroid medication either Dan and its been more than a year ....but the pain in my neck never went away with few other symptoms it only went away at the start when I was on carbimazole ....I do eat dairy but not fish ...hardly eat fish ...and pls I would be grateful if u send me the list of those foods....luv...samy

    • Guest
      Guest Samy3

      Posted

      Hi again, I sent you a private message containing the link to the document. 
  • linda187
    linda187 Samy3

    Posted

    I have normal lab results and I have had very dry eyes since getting this disease.  My ophthalmologist inserts collagen plugs into the tear ducts and it helps.  She said I could have a more permanent silicone plug insert but I am not comfortable with the idea of Silicone plugs.  I have also read that witch hazel on cotton pads over the eyes helps as well.  I also use prescription drops called Restasis and another over the counter eye drop.
    • Samy3
      Samy3 linda187

      Posted

      Thanks Linda ...just a question Linda when u were diagnosed did u have a goiter?
    • linda187
      linda187 Samy3

      Posted

      I was not told I had a goiter but an Endo I consulted for a second opinion told me one side felt bigger than the other.
    • Samy3
      Samy3 linda187

      Posted

      Mine was confirmed through ultrasound Linda and since I become euthyroid few other doctors I been seen by said I have small goiter and I'm sure I get pain and symptoms bcs of that...samy

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