Overactive Thyroid -does it cause dry eye

[SallyP]

I have suffered with dry for the past 18 months, with no obvious cause. However, I had a severely overactive thyroid, so had most of it removed 8 years ago. My levels are monitored regularly and are well within the "normal" range, and don't need thyroxin. I asked the doctor if this could cause the dry eye, but he said unlikely, more likely if it had been underactive, but I'm not convinced. Does anybody know about the relationship between thyroid problems and dry eye, or have had a similar experience?

[jsalad]

Hi Sally. One of the first things my doc told me to do was to have my thyroid checked because it can affect eyes. I dont know if it's over-or-under active that causes the bigger problem...but thyroid issues can play a part.

[GinaJ]

I too was told by my last eye specialist to have my thyroid checked as it could be leading to this and some of my other conditions. Mine was ok but for some there may be a connection I would think since why would he suggest getting it tested

[elvishthistle]

I am on over active thyroid medication and that can cause dry eye...it seems like just about everything does!

[SallyP]

That's interesting. I'm not on medication, but was 8 years ago before they removed most of my thyroid. Maybe that did some lasting damage, although I've been told it's not actually dry eye, but blepharitis, but similar thing I guess.

[GinaJ]

Hi again. From what I was told my blepheritis caused my dry eye and since I can't get my bleph controlled for the past year plus with every treatment I think is why I have this is so bad. I know with my other health conditions I am more prone to infections so I wonder with thyroid conditions if that could be similar. Though like I stated the eye doc I saw said to have my thyroid rechecked so that is why I think there may be a direct connection. Hope you feel better

[Amy09]

I got extremely sick this summer and found out that my health problems were due to an overactive thyroid. Coincidentally, I have had dry eye and SLK for atleast the past four years (since I was 18). It is extremely unusual for an 18 year old to get SLK and when I found out about thyroid problems this summer, the doctor told me that my eyes and thyroid were probably connected.