Cures for Swollen Eyes From Hypothyrodism

Swelling in the face and eyes is a symptom of hypothyroidism, a condition in which an underactive thyroid does not produce enough hormones for the body to remain in balance, according to the Mayo Clinic. When the eyes themselves appear to swell or protrude from their sockets, it is known as thyroid eye disease. This condition (also known as Graves' disease) happens when the hormone imbalance causes changes in the eye or eye socket that include swelling of eye muscles and orbital fat. There are different treatments for this condition based on its severity.

Mild Cases

• Treat mild cases of thyroid eye disease with tear supplements in the form of eye drops, according to the University of Illinois at Chicago. These drops will lubricate the eyes and soothe them. Cover the eyes with pressure dressings to reduce symptoms as well. Some people choose to tape their eyelids closed when they sleep to prevent a worsening of the condition.

Infection or Ulceration

• Exposure to this condition can cause an infection or ulceration in the cornea, according to the University of Illinois at Chicago. Speak to a doctor about treating an eye infection or ulcer with antibiotics to prevent perforations in the cornea that could damage eyesight.

Double Vision

• Double vision is sometimes a side effect of thyroid eye disease, according to the University of Illinois at Chicago. Ask your eye doctor to prescribe a prism that is attached to eyeglasses to help your eyes recover from double vision. The disease can result in limited eye movement, and the prism will compensate for this. Surgery might be necessary to correct double vision in some cases of eye imbalance following this disease. During this procedure, a surgeon will reposition the eye muscles.

Optic Nerve Strangulation

• During severe swelling associated with thyroid eye disease, the optic nerve may be strangled, according to the University of Illinois at Chicago. Take steroid medication, radiation therapy or undergo surgery to stop the progression of such a condition. You may need high doses of steroid medications and will likely experience some side effects with these treatments. Radiation therapy targets the tissue behind the eye to stop inflammation around the optic nerve. You may be encouraged to try a combination of radiation and steroids. Surgery is an option for orbital decompression that is threatening vision. The surgery is designed to make more room for swollen tissue within the socket. The extra space allows the bulging eye to relax and go back to its normal state.