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Hypothyroidism symptoms: Can hypothyroidism cause eye problems?
By Mayo Clinic staffOriginal Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hypothyroidism-symptoms/AN01942
- With Mayo Clinic endocrinologist
Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
Todd Nippoldt, M.D.
Dr. Todd Nippoldt is a board-certified specialist in internal medicine and endocrinology and metabolism. He has special expertise in the area of hormone disorders affecting the pituitary and adrenal glands as well as the testes and ovaries. He has been a member of the Mayo Clinic staff since 1988.
He's a consultant in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition and works with patients who have disorders of the hormone-producing glands. Common disorders include diabetes, thyroid problems, osteoporosis and elevated cholesterol levels.
He's also involved in andrology, the study of male hormonal disorders, male infertility and male sexual dysfunction, and is an assistant professor of medicine at College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic.
Dr. Nippoldt, a St. Paul, Minn., native, has also contributed to "Mayo Clinic Health Letter," the "Mayo Clinic Family Health Book" and a Mayo Clinic CD-ROM. He's a fellow in the American College of Physicians and a member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the American Society of Andrology, The Endocrine Society, The Pituitary Society and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.
"I have found that those patients who have gone to the Internet and obtained accurate medical information come to their appointment with me very well informed, and the discussions regarding the evaluation and management of their condition are very productive and satisfying," he says.
"The key, however, is obtaining accurate medical information. As a medical editor, I hope to be able to ensure that accurate, relevant and up-to-date information is available for patients and their families."
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Complications (1)
- Hypothyroidism symptoms: Can hypothyroidism cause eye problems?
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Question
Hypothyroidism symptoms: Can hypothyroidism cause eye problems?
I know that hyperthyroidism can sometimes affect the eyes — but could hypothyroidism also cause eye problems?
Answer
from Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) isn't usually associated with eye disease. In severe cases, however, hypothyroidism may cause swelling around the eyes and a loss of the hairs in the outer part of the eyebrows.
In a few cases, an eye problem known as Graves' ophthalmopathy may develop if hypothyroidism develops after treatment for Graves' disease — the most common form of overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Graves' ophthalmopathy can cause eye discomfort, protruding eyeballs and vision changes.
Next questionSoy: Does it worsen hypothyroidism?
- Nippoldt TB (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Oct. 6, 2010.
- Graves' disease. American Thyroid Association. http://www.thyroid.org/patients/patient_brochures/graves.html. Accessed Oct. 6, 2010.
- Jameson LJ, et al. Disorders of the thyroid gland. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Online. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill; 2008. http://accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2877356&searchStr=hypothyroidism. Accessed Oct. 6, 2010.
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