[Ski]

#1075520

The eye disease follows its own course ~ and, as a matter of fact, the only doctor I have ever heard to express an opinion on a connection indicated that hyPOthyroidism was more of a risk for triggering symptoms of the eye disease, so an increase in your Synthroid obviously would not cause that. Following that logic, the fact that you’ve been feeling tired may indicate that, for you, you have been hypothyroid, and perhaps that has triggered the eye symptoms.

For the most part, the thyroid and the eye symptoms do not correlate. It’s a different condition within the Graves’ "syndrome."

It’s a good time to go see an ophthalmologist and get their opinion.

[djay1]

#1019994

Can an increase in Synthroid cause eye pain and bulging and headaches? I was diagnosed with Graves disease about 3 years ago. I’ve been on .100 mg of Synthroid for approx. 2 years. All of my thyroid levels always come back perfect.
I complained about being so tired all of the time, and the doctor increased my Synthroid to .112 mg for just a 3 month trial period. After about 4 weeks on this increase, I am starting to have pain in my right eye and a little swelling (which I have not had in over a year) and also headaches. Would this small increase in medication do this to me? It has helped with my energy level, so I hate to give it up, but I think I might have to. Thank you

[npatterson]

#1075521

I think Ski is on the right track. IT is probably coincidental. The eye disease can cause headaches due to the swelling taking place inside the orbits. Some people like cold packs, and others prefer warm packs, but either make give you some temporary comfort. You do need to see an ophthalmologist or neuro-ophthalmalogist. Just ask if the person deals with Graves’ eye disease.
Keep us informed, and good luck.

[nmonahan]

#1075522

I have this same problem also. Was diagnosed with Graves eye disease on March 4, 2009 (my 40th birthday – what a gift!), CT Scan at Jules Stein institute at UCLA showed swelling behind the eyes. So far, all the blood tests taken have come out normal (although I do experience hyperthyroid symptoms – rapid heart beat at night, excessive sweating, eating all the time throughout the night also). My biggest problem is the severe migraines I have experience, almost on a daily basis, ever since I got pregnant in 2007, so it’s been two years of constant headaches and migraines behind my left eye. I am going to see an ophthalmologist this coming Friday to talk about treatment of the Graves eye disease, but I am now scared about any of the eye treatments, given what I have read. It seems that steroids are the first treatment option, oral or injections behind the eyes. But has anyone had any sucess on this treatment? So far what I have read seems that it doesn’t work. If not, then are orbital decompression or radiation my choices? Does the opthalmologist do radiation, or is a different type of doctor that would do the radiation? Sometimes I feel like I cannot go on with this pain. I don’t know what to do. Thanks.

[Ski]

#1075523

Your treatment options really depend on the phase of the disease you are in, which the ophthalmologist will have to evaluate. If you are in the "hot phase" (frequent fluctuations, bulging and receding), then Prednisone or directed radiation may work, but it’s not time for any surgical corrections unless your optic nerve is in danger of compression. If you are in the "cold phase" (all changes are over, it’s just the remaining scar tissue and/or bulging that never receded), then Prednisone and directed radiation would not be effective, and you are pretty much left with only surgical options. Whatever the choices in your case, RELIEF is at the end of them, so try to remember that as you experience your distaste for the options you are given…..

[azroses2322]

#1075524

Also make sure that the Opth. is monitoring you eye pressure (keep your appointments), particularly if you use the steroid eye drops. Within 2 weeks after they up’ed me to Prednisone eye drops (because of the swelling), my pressure shot up and they had to stop it. Also for the swelling, try elevating you head when you sleep.

[Ski]

#1075525

Good point! We actually elevate the head of our bed, so my head is elevated even if I fall off the mountain of pillows. It really does help ~ it uses gravity to keep fluids from collecting overnight.

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