[snelsen]

#1061891

Hi, regardless of the reason for the eye symptoms, I suggest you get an earlier appointment with the ophthamologist, and/or also go to a neuro-ophthamologist. Because you have significant visual changes (looking through a small lens)
I think this is very very important for you to do, the neuro-eye doc, get established, get a good baseline evaluation, including visual fields (by the machine, not simply wiggling fingers) so you are sure your eyes are ok, and the optic nerves are intact with no pressure on them. Can you do this?
Hard to get into the neuro-eye doc, but if you say that you have significant visual changes, that will get a early appointment for you.
Shirley

[Bobbi]

#1061892

I had some seriously puffy eyes when I went hypothyroid after RAI. If your eyes feel like their vision is constricted due to the puffiness, it may be edema of some type which will go away over time. With the eye disease we get soft-tissue being pushed forward as the eye muscles get larger, so it looks a bit swollen, as well. It is hard to tell the difference unless you give it time to settle out (edema).

[PattiMeg]

#1061893

I took your advice, called the neuro-opthamologist and will see her on Wednesday…thanks!

[PattiMeg]

#1017966

Hi everyone,
I have posted here before and the responses have been SO helpful. I had RAI on 2/25 (so about 2 1/2 months out). My Free T4 as of last week was 1.9 and TSH is undetectable. The endo has taken me off the methimazole and cut the metoprolol in half. I am having blood work every 2 weeks. I am feeling so much better! However, about 2 weeks ago my eyes started getting very puffy (especially the upper eyelid), big bags underneath. My eyes feel tired and it feels like I am looking out at the world thru a small lens. I have an eye appt with the opthamologist at the end of June (when i was first diagnosed I called her right away, she suggested we wait 4-5 months out post RAI to give the thyroid time to settle out). Here is my question: is the puffiness a result of the RAI, and when the thryoid settles out the eye puffiness should improve? or, are the 2 not related and even if I get my thryoid hormones settled down the eye thing could continue? I have a feeling I know what the answer is but would like to hear from other folks who had RAI and how their eyes reacted/responded.
I so much appreciate this forum to get good information.
Patti

[snelsen]

#1061894

I am delighted that you can see a neuro-ophthamologist on Wednesday! That is wonderful. Do write to tell us about your appointment. A helpful suggestion!!! When you register at the desk, ask for a Medical Release of Information form, or their equivalent. Complete the form, asking for all dictated reports, lab results and other test results, sent to your home.
Then begin your own file of your medical information. And, if they do the visual fields, tomorrow, I think it is worth asking the doc to print an extra copy so you can take it home with you.
Good job getting that appointment!!
Shirley

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