Patients who have thyroid disease, either too high functioning or too low functioning, can develop significant changes in the appearance and comfort of their eyes. These changes include greater prominence of the eyes, noticeable puffiness of the eyelids or significant discomfort in their eyes. A small number of patients with thyroid disease can develop sudden and severe changes in the eye socket that leads to compression of the optic nerve and secondary loss of vision. Patients who are newly diagnosed with thyroid disease or those with known thyroid disease but a new change in the appearance of their eyes or their vision, should see an ophthalmic plastic surgeon for further evaluation and recommendations for monitoring and treatment for their eye condition.
