Thyroid Diseases
Thyroid diseases are life-long medical conditions that require careful management. These are believed to be well-known causes of endocrine disorders resulting in various functional and structural body changes. The changes resulting from thyroid conditions may also include disorders involving the eye and the vision, usually resulting in “reduced sight,” eyelid sacks or swollen eyelids, ocular disturbances, dry and teary eyes, and ophthalmalgia.
The thyroid is an important hormone produced by the thyroid gland. When its production is disrupted or disturbed, producing too much or too little thyroid hormone, there may be adverse effects on multiple body parts and functions, including the heart rate, mood, energy level, metabolism, bone health, and pregnancy, among others.
Thyroid diseases can also cause complications in the form of other conditions. Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO), or thyroid eye disease, is one of the most common causes of thyroid-induced striated muscle degeneration in the eye area. It can sometimes even overlap with symptoms of other autoimmune disorders like Graves’ orbitopathy and Hashimoto’s disease, making the thyroid problem even harder to diagnose. Fortunately, diagnostic tests can help determine if the symptoms stem from developing thyroid issues, including blood tests, imaging tests, and physical exams.
