Hashimoto’s disease, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the thyroid gland. This causes inflammation and damage to the thyroid, leading to hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid. Some common symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease include fatigue, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, joint and muscle pain, constipation, dry skin, hair loss, depression, and problems with concentration and memory. However, Hashimoto’s can also sometimes cause vision problems like blurred vision. Let’s take a closer look at the link between Hashimoto’s disease and vision issues.
Can Hashimoto’s directly cause blurred vision?
Yes, there are a few ways that Hashimoto’s disease itself can directly lead to blurred vision or other vision changes:
Dry eyes
One of the most common ways Hashimoto’s can impact vision is by causing dry eye syndrome. When the autoimmune attack damages the thyroid gland, this disrupts the complex immune and hormone interactions throughout the body. About 90% of people with autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto’s experience dry eyes as a result.
With dry eyes, there is not enough quality tear production to keep the eyes properly lubricated. This causes irritation, inflammation, and damage to the surface of the eyes. Blurred vision can occur because the tear film over the eyes is not smooth and consistent, distorting light as it enters the eyes.
Eye inflammation
The autoimmune inflammatory response in Hashimoto’s disease can also sometimes directly affect the eyes. This can cause inflammation of certain parts of the eyes, like the conjunctiva, cornea, or sclera. Eye inflammation itself can lead to blurred vision by altering the tear film and clarity of the outer eye structures.
Optic neuropathy
In rare cases, Hashimoto’s patients can develop optic neuropathy, which is damage to the optic nerve that transmits visual information from the eyes to the brain. This nerve damage interferes with normal visual processing, causing vision loss, usually starting with blurred vision.
Can hypothyroidism from Hashimoto’s cause blurred vision?
Yes, indirect vision problems can also occur as a result of the hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) that develops with Hashimoto’s disease. Here’s how:
Fluid accumulation behind the eyes
Hypothyroidism allows fluid accumulation throughout the body. This excess fluid can sometimes accumulate behind the eyes as well. This swelling and fluid buildup can push the eyes forward slightly, changing their shape and disrupting focusing ability. It also causes separation of the retina, leading to blurred vision.
Dry eyes
As mentioned earlier, dry eyes are very common in Hashimoto’s disease. The hypothyroidism caused by Hashimoto’s worsens tear production and leads to chronic dry eye syndrome in most patients. The resulting eye dryness and surface damage makes vision blurry.
Eyelid swelling
Low thyroid hormone levels in hypothyroidism often cause puffiness and swelling around the eyes and eyelids. This can make the eyelids heavy and cause them to droop, disrupting normal vision and making eyesight appear blurry.
Eye muscle impairment
The eye muscles controlling eye movement and focusing rely on thyroid hormones to function normally. When hypothyroidism develops in Hashimoto’s, impairment of these extraocular eye muscles leads to problems with eye positioning, movement, and focusing – causing blurred vision.
Corneal damage
Some research indicates hypothyroidism may disrupt normal tear production and composition. The resulting tear film changes and dry eyes allow damage to the clear outer cornea of the eye. This corneal damage leads to blurred vision.
Can Hashimoto’s treatment help with blurred vision?
Yes, treating the underlying Hashimoto’s disease and resulting hypothyroidism can often help improve blurred vision and other eye issues.
Here’s how Hashimoto’s treatment helps vision:
Improves tear production
Restoring normal thyroid hormone levels improves tear quantity and quality. This relieves dry eyes and improves lubrication, reducing eye irritation and surface damage. Vision becomes clearer with normalized tear function.
Reduces fluid accumulation
Getting hypothyroidism under control reduces abnormal fluid retention in the body, including behind the eyes. This resolves the eye pressure issues and retinal separation that lead to blurred vision.
Decreases eyelid swelling
With thyroid hormones balanced again, puffiness and swelling around the eyelids improves. This relieves excessive drooping of eyelids and improves visual function.
Strengthens eye muscles
Eye muscles regain normal strength and coordination for proper eye focusing and movement with Hashimoto’s treatment. This muscle function optimization brings eyesight back into focus.
Protects cornea
Normalized tear composition helps protect the cornea from further damage. Vision clarity is restored as corneal integrity improves.
Other tips for managing blurred vision with Hashimoto’s
In addition to Hashimoto’s disease treatment, there are some other ways patients can help manage Hashimoto’s-related blurred vision:
Use artificial tears
Applying artificial tear drops and ointments can bring relief for dry eyes and eye surface damage contributing to vision problems. This helps supplement natural tear production.
Wear moisture chamber glasses
Special moisture chamber glasses create a humid environment around the eyes, preventing moisture loss that worsens dry eyes. This can improve blurred vision.
Clean eyelids daily
Keeping eyelids clean and free of debris prevents oil gland blockages that disrupt normal tear film distribution. Proper tear function maintains clearer sight.
Avoid eye irritants
Things like smoke, dust, and chlorinated water can aggravate eye dryness and surface inflammation, making blurred vision worse. Reducing exposure helps protect vision.
Increase omega-3s
Eating more omega-3 rich foods like fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds may improve tear production and eye lubrication based on some studies. A supplement can also be beneficial.
Control blood sugar
High blood sugar from uncontrolled diabetes or insulin resistance can worsen dry eyes. Keeping glucose levels in check protects eyes and vision.
When to see a doctor
In most cases, managing blurred vision involves controlling the underlying Hashimoto’s disease. However, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor if you experience:
– Chronic or severe blurred vision
– Vision getting progressively worse
– Eye pain or redness along with vision changes
– Flashing lights or floaters
– Loss of peripheral vision
– Dizziness or headaches accompanying vision loss
These could indicate a more serious eye condition that requires specialized ophthalmological care. Prompt evaluation and treatment prevents permanent damage to the eyes and vision.
The bottom line
Hashimoto’s disease itself, as well as the resulting hypothyroidism, can affect the eyes and lead to blurred vision. It most commonly causes dry eyes, but inflammation, fluid accumulation, eyelid changes, and eye muscle impairment can also blur eyesight. Treating the underlying autoimmune thyroid disorder improves hormonal balance and helps reverse these vision changes. Using artificial tears, controlling irritants and blood sugar, supplementing with omega-3s, and practicing proper eyelid hygiene also helps manage Hashimoto’s-related blurred vision. Seeking prompt medical attention for more severe or progressive vision changes can prevent permanent eye damage. With proper management, most Hashimoto’s patients can recover clear vision and protect their eyes from further problems.