If you are diagnosed with thyroid eye disease, it means that you also have hyperthyroidism (hyperthyroidism) caused by Graves’ disease. Managing several medical conditions at the same time can be challenging. However, there are coping and self-care strategies that can help you.

What is eye thyroid disease?

passionate

It is normal to feel a variety of emotions after a diagnosis of thyroid eye disease. Since this condition can affect the appearance of your eyes and your physical health, you may also experience changes in emotional well-being.

Depression and thyroid eye disease

Depression is common in diseases of the thyroid gland. In fact, a recent study showed that 36% of people with thyroid disease reported symptoms of anxiety and depression.

You may also feel:

• Angry
• muddled
• At ease
• Hi
• Feeling blue
• Hi
• Tense
• deadbeat
• Helpless

If your feelings have a negative impact on your quality of life, talk to your health care provider. There are treatments for depression that can help, such as medications and therapy.

physical

Certain lifestyle changes can help you manage thyroid eye disease and feel better. Before making any drastic adjustments, talk to your healthcare provider and ask them for recommendations.

Diet

Eating a balanced and healthy diet is important for your overall health. However, thyroid eye disease and Graves’ disease may require some changes. For example, you may need to avoid foods that contain large amounts of iodine as they can make your hyperthyroid symptoms worse.

Foods and products rich in iodine include:

• fish
• Oysters
• Kelp
• Dulse and other types of seaweed
• Blackstrap molasses
• Food additives including carrageen, alginate, agar-agar, nori
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• Exercise

Although exercise does not relieve certain symptoms of thyroid eye disease, it does have other benefits such as improving your mood and giving you more energy.

Staying active can increase your flexibility, strength, and mobility. In addition, Graves’ disease can cause osteoporosis, so doing weight training is important for your bone density.

Manage your weight

Exercise can help you control your weight after starting treatment, which can increase your weight. Because Graves’ disease and hyperthyroidism affect your metabolism, weight management is an important part of treatment.

Stress relief

Finding stress-relieving activities that fit your lifestyle and goals is part of living with thyroid eye disease. Stress can make you feel worse and make it harder to cope with this condition

Stress relief activities include:

• Breathing exercises
• contemplate
• Yoga
• Guidance Images
• rubs
• Bathrooms
• listen to songs
• Avoid smoking
• Smoking is associated with the worst symptoms of thyroid eye disease.

If you smoke, ask your healthcare provider for help quitting or look for resources online. Quitting smoking is also important for your overall health. There are many ways to help you quit, such as medications or counseling

Glasses & Sunglasses

Since thyroid eye disease can make you sensitive to light, consider wearing sunglasses. You can get prescription sunglasses from your ophthalmologist

Glasses with prism

Ask your healthcare provider about wearing prism glasses, which can help reduce double vision caused by thyroid eye disease. You can order a prescription or bifocal or graduated nonlinear lenses with prism

Use eye drops

Thyroid diseases can make your eyes dry, irritated and red. The use of eye drops and artificial tears can relieve some of these symptoms.

Thick lubricating ointments for the eyes may also help. Ask your healthcare provider about eye drop recommendations

Eye drops to avoid

In general, you should avoid drops that contain redness removers or preservatives that may cause irritation or inflammation.

Using gels or ointments that moisturize the eyes before bed may help prevent dryness caused by not closing your eyes completely

social

Consider joining social support groups for people with thyroid eye disease. Being with others with the same condition can help you learn new coping strategies. It can also help you reduce loneliness or isolation

Ask your health care provider about:

• Local Support Groups
• Online Communities
• Patient Advocacy Organizations
• Stress is a common problem that social groups may alleviate. Both online and in-person groups may help you by providing support in stressful times.

practical

Forming the right health team to help you manage thyroid eye disease is an important part of living with this condition. Most people with thyroid eye disease need to see specialists in addition to a primary care doctor. You may end up with a large team that includes:

• Primary Care Physician
• Ophthalmologist
• Endocrinologist
• Internist
• Surgeon

It is important that all members of your health team have experience in treating thyroid eye diseases. You should feel comfortable getting a second opinion or finding new healthcare providers if you feel like you’re not getting the best care possible.