Visakhapatnam: Doctors in Visakhapatnam are observing an increasing number of thyroid eye disease patients. Thyroid eye disease is an autoimmune eye condition that can occur in those suffering from systemic thyroid disorder. However, even people with normal levels of thyroid can have this condition.
According to experts, the symptoms range from simple eyelid retraction to bulging of eyes with dryness and watering to serious problems such as severe pain, edema of the tissues around the eye, unable to close the eyes, limitation of eye movements, double vision, and loss of vision.
Speaking to ToI, oculoplasty consultant at GMR Varalakshmi Campus, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Visakhapatnam, Dr Akhila Mallu, said those having thyroid disorder should get their eyes examined regularly to rule out eye related complications. “The complaints are more in the morning hours and often fluctuate in severity over the days and weeks. Thyroid eye disease has an active and inactive phase. The active phase needs medical treatment, followed by the inactive phase when surgical treatment restores normal appearance,” said Dr Akhila.
The oculoplasty consultant added that thyroid eye disease occurs more often in women and is commonly seen in the age group of 30-50, and the disease course is more severe after the age of 50.
“Chronic smokers, people with a positive family history of thyroid eye disease, and patients with high levels of stress are more vulnerable to developing thyroid eye disease. It can be diagnosed by the clinical evaluation of the eye. They will order blood tests to check the levels of thyroid hormone. Imaging of the eye with computed tomography (CT scan) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is advised as and when required,” said Dr Akhila.
Thyroid disorder is an autoimmune condition where our protective mechanism attacks our own body. It can either result from hyperthyroidism, where our body releases too many thyroid hormones or hypothyroidism, where our body doesn’t release enough hormones.
Both these types can result in thyroid eye disease. However, thyroid eye disease can also occur in people with normal levels of thyroid hormones.
According to experts, the symptoms range from simple eyelid retraction to bulging of eyes with dryness and watering to serious problems such as severe pain, edema of the tissues around the eye, unable to close the eyes, limitation of eye movements, double vision, and loss of vision.
Speaking to ToI, oculoplasty consultant at GMR Varalakshmi Campus, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Visakhapatnam, Dr Akhila Mallu, said those having thyroid disorder should get their eyes examined regularly to rule out eye related complications. “The complaints are more in the morning hours and often fluctuate in severity over the days and weeks. Thyroid eye disease has an active and inactive phase. The active phase needs medical treatment, followed by the inactive phase when surgical treatment restores normal appearance,” said Dr Akhila.
The oculoplasty consultant added that thyroid eye disease occurs more often in women and is commonly seen in the age group of 30-50, and the disease course is more severe after the age of 50.
“Chronic smokers, people with a positive family history of thyroid eye disease, and patients with high levels of stress are more vulnerable to developing thyroid eye disease. It can be diagnosed by the clinical evaluation of the eye. They will order blood tests to check the levels of thyroid hormone. Imaging of the eye with computed tomography (CT scan) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is advised as and when required,” said Dr Akhila.
Thyroid disorder is an autoimmune condition where our protective mechanism attacks our own body. It can either result from hyperthyroidism, where our body releases too many thyroid hormones or hypothyroidism, where our body doesn’t release enough hormones.
Both these types can result in thyroid eye disease. However, thyroid eye disease can also occur in people with normal levels of thyroid hormones.
