I know that hyperthyroidism can sometimes affect the eyes — but could hypothyroidism also cause eye problems?
Answer From Ann Kearns, M.D., Ph.D.
Hypothyroidism happens when the thyroid gland doesn't make enough thyroid hormone. This condition also is called underactive thyroid. Hypothyroidism usually isn't linked to eye disease. In severe cases, however, hypothyroidism may cause swelling around the eyes. It also may cause a loss of hair in the outer part of the eyebrows.
Eye problems are much more common in people who have hyperthyroidism, a condition also called overactive thyroid. That's particularly true for those who have Graves' disease, the most common form of hyperthyroidism. An eye condition known as thyroid eye disease — also called Graves' ophthalmopathy — may develop in these individuals. It can lead to eye soreness, protruding eyeballs and vision changes.
With
Ann Kearns, M.D., Ph.D.
Show References
- AskMayoExpert. Thyroid eye disease (Graves ophthalmopathy). Mayo Clinic; 2021.
- Thyroid eye disease. American Thyroid Association. https://www.thyroid.org/thyroid-eye-disease/. Accessed June 13, 2023.
- Loscalzo J, et al., eds. Hypothyroidism. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 21st ed. McGraw Hill; 2022. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed June 13, 2023.
- Molina PE. Thyroid gland. In: Endocrine Physiology. 5th ed. McGraw Hill; 2018. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed June 13, 2023.
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive). American Thyroid Association. https://www.thyroid.org/hyperthyroidism/. Accessed June 13, 2023.
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothyroidism/expert-answers/hypothyroidism-symptoms/faq-20058058