If your eyes constantly feel dry, gritty, watery, or irritated, you may wonder whether an underlying health condition is contributing to your symptoms. For many people, the answer is yes. Thyroid disease can affect the eyes in several ways, including disrupting the tear film and increasing the risk of dry eye.
How thyroid disease affects the eyes
The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate many functions throughout the body, including metabolism and tissue health. When thyroid hormone levels become too high or too low, changes can occur throughout the body, including the eyes.
Some people with thyroid disease develop inflammation around the eyes or changes to the eyelids that leave more of the eye’s surface exposed. Others experience changes in tear production or the quality of the tear film.
These changes can lead to:
- Increased tear evaporation
- Poor tear quality
- Eye surface inflammation
- Greater sensitivity to wind and dry environments
As a result, dry eye often becomes an ongoing concern rather than an occasional irritation.
Why thyroid eye disease can worsen dry eye
Some patients develop a condition called thyroid eye disease, which most commonly occurs with autoimmune thyroid disorders such as Graves’ disease.
Thyroid eye disease can cause:
- Bulging eyes
- Eyelid retraction
- Swelling around the eyes
- Double vision
- Eye discomfort
- Light sensitivity
When the eyelids don’t close completely or the eyes become more exposed, tears evaporate more quickly. This often leads to persistent dryness, irritation, and fluctuating vision.
Not everyone with thyroid disease develops thyroid eye disease, but those who do often experience more severe dry eye symptoms.
Common dry eye symptoms
Dry eye related to thyroid disease often feels similar to other forms of dry eye.
You may notice:
- Burning or stinging
- A gritty or sandy sensation
- Excessive watering
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Redness
- Light sensitivity
- Discomfort when wearing contact lenses
How an eye doctor can help
Managing thyroid disease with your primary care physician or endocrinologist is critical for your overall health, but eye symptoms often require additional treatment.
During a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor can assess:
- Tear quality and quantity
- Meibomian gland function
- Eyelid health
- Inflammation on the surface of the eye
- Whether thyroid eye disease may be contributing to your symptoms
Understanding what’s causing your dry eye allows your eye doctor to recommend the treatments most likely to improve your comfort and eye health.
Treatment options for thyroid-related dry eye
Dry eye treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of your symptoms.
Your treatment plan may include:
- Prescription eye drops to reduce inflammation and improve tear quality
- Artificial tears for additional lubrication
- Warm compresses and eyelid hygiene
- Lifestyle changes to reduce tear evaporation
- Nutritional recommendations when appropriate
For patients with meibomian gland dysfunction, in-office treatments may provide additional relief. At New England EyeWorks, advanced treatment options include intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, BlephEx®, and TearCare® to improve oil gland function and support a healthier tear film.
Some patients with moderate to severe dry eye also benefit from scleral lenses. These specialty contact lenses create a protective reservoir of fluid over the cornea, helping keep the eye hydrated while providing clear, comfortable vision.
Don’t ignore ongoing dry eye symptoms
Dry eye related to thyroid disease often persists without proper treatment. Left unmanaged, ongoing inflammation can affect both comfort and vision over time.
At New England EyeWorks, our experienced eye doctors in Keene provide comprehensive evaluations to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and recommend personalized treatment options. Whether your dry eye stems from thyroid disease, meibomian gland dysfunction, or another condition, we can help you find lasting relief. Schedule an appointment to learn which treatments are right for your eyes.