Thyroid condition or disorder can occur at any stage of our life and approximately 5% to 10% of our population are suffering or facing this disorder. This disorder is 5 times more prominent in women than men and could be life-threatening (leading to cancers – if left untreated). With increase severity due to lack of awareness, Thyroid disorder could lead to cancer that is the 8th most deadly illness affecting women compared to men. Thyroid Eye disease happens when you suffer from one of the two types of Thyroidism.

What is Thyroid?

Before discussing Thyroid disorder, let us look at what Thyroid is and where it is located in our body anatomy. The thyroid is a gland located in front of the neck and produces 2 types of hormones: thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Both functions control various essential metabolic processes, growth, and energy used. After understanding its purpose in the body, we understand too much or too little of something is harmful to health. Once the hormones are off the balance, Thyroid disorder occurs.

2 types of Thyroid disorder are categorized as Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism.

Read: Top 5 Thyroid Symptoms not to be ignored!

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Graves Eye Disease or Thyroid Eye Disease

When someone is suffering from a Thyroid disorder, the person develops antibodies that will cause their Thyroid gland to malfunction, resulting in either Hyperthyroidism (excessive thyroid hormones) or Hypothyroidism (insufficient thyroid hormones). This not only affects our metabolism but also brain activity, heartbeat, and energy level. Hyperthyroidism, commonly known as Graves’ Disease, can lead to Thyroid Eye Disease.

From the above introduction, it is crucial to know what symptoms to watch out for the 2 disorder conditions so that the right diet and treatment could be given as Thyroid illnesses are highly treatable (we will go into the different treatments at the later part). Herewith, let us get into the 1st set of symptoms to be cautious about.

Read More: Do You Have Hypothyroidism – Quiz (FREE)

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

Some of the early signs of Hyperthyroidism that caretakers or the woman herself need to watch out for:

1) Bulging eyes

2) Insomnia and trembling hands

3) Neck swelling up

4) Heat intolerance (perpetually feeling hot)

5) Anxiety and irritable

6) Palpitations

7) Restlessness

8) Exhaust easily

9) Feel nervous

10) Bad temper

11) Increase in appetite and loss of weight

12) Inconsistent menstruation

13) Diarrhea

Grave/ Thyroid Eye Disease

Graves Eye disease or Thyroid eye disease is an autoimmune disease where the immune cells attack the thyroid gland and secrete thyroid hormones in excess.

This results in eye muscles expanding. The eyes are very vulnerable to this disease since the autoimmune attack the eye muscles.

This leads to the inability of eyelids to close completely, exposing the eye’s front surface, and causing irritation and damage to the cornea. Patients can also suffer from double vision due to marked swelling and stiffening due to inflammation of eye muscles. The eyeballs will protrude forward.

Looking through both sets of early symptoms, there are similarities in their symptoms to alert the red light. They are centralized and focused on the heartbeat and metabolism. As this disorder mainly affects women, menstruation cycle, duration, and flow are something to note. When there is a fluctuation in weight management, this is one of the most significant symptoms to note for both men and women.

Symptoms of Thyroid Eye Disease

1. Bulging of eyes
2. Dry eyes and irritation because the eyes do not close fully
3. Redness
4. Pain in the eye
5. Puffiness around eyes
6. Squint
7. Decreased Vision
8. Tearing

Consultation of a doctor and treatment will be needed.

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Thyroid Eye Disease Treatments

If these above-mentioned symptoms were ignored, the condition could get serious with severe weight loss, palpitations, and even “Thyroid Storm”. Thyroid disorder and eye issues are treatable diseases with a few options for the patient to choose from.

1. Natural Treatment

It is common for thyroid eye disease to fluctuate within the first one to two years of the disease. Beyond this time, the disease tends to stabilize. Try these simple natural treatments for managing Thyroid Eye disease.

1. Applying Cool Compress to Eyes
2. Wearing Sun Glasses since in this disease the eyes are more vulnerable and sensitive to UV rays
3. Using Lubricating Drops to manage dry eyes
4. Keeping the head higher than your body while lying down

2. Lubricant Therapy

Tear substitutes and medicated eye drops help to protect the surface of the eye from drying. Sleeping on extra pillows helps to reduce swelling around the eyes.

Double vision can be troublesome if it affects straightforward and down-looking positions (as in reading). Special lenses called prisms may relieve this.

3. Hormonal Treatment

A man-made thyroid hormone pill aims at controlling the thyroid hormone level.

Radioactive Iodine or Immunosuppression Treatment

Anti-thyroid medication is given by mouth that can reduce thyroid activity to a great extent and Steroids can be used in selected cases as a form of treatment. When these steroids are taken orally, they can cause side effects when used over a long period of time. These include weight gain, gastric symptoms and bleeding, aggravation of diabetes and high blood pressure, and decreased resistance to infection.

4. Radiation Treatment (available in Government hospitals)

Radiation is an effective way of reducing the swelling of tissue around the eye and relieving compression of the optic nerve. The therapeutic dose used is low and is usually not associated with significant adverse effects.

5. Surgical Treatment

There are 2 surgical treatment options. When vision is threatened, early lid or orbital surgery may be necessary.

Orbital decompression surgery will be performed by eye surgeons, followed by squint and eyelid surgeries. This procedure helps to reduce double vision. The extreme last resort of all treatments will be performing a Thyroidectomy. In this procedure, the Thyroid gland is partially or fully removed.

Thyroid Eye Disease Treatment in Singapore Hospitals

1. Singapore General Hospital
2. Mount Elizabeth Hospital

After sharing the necessary information, doctors will advise leading a healthy lifestyle with proper sleep and diet to have good control of the hormones. Physical treatments like lubricants could be prescribed to prevent the eyes from drying. Sometimes, the Eye doctor might order treatments such as steroids or radiation.

Dry Eye Drops to Buy

Conclusion

Health is wealth and enjoyment so take some extended care to provide the body with the best.

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