People who have low levels of thyroid hormone in the body due to an underactive thyroid gland may have a condition called hypothyroidism. This thyroid disease affects approximately 5 percent of people in the United States--the majority of which are women, according to the National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service. Hypothyroidism may cause a number of different affects on the body, and certain people may develop ocular or eye-related symptoms. If such symptoms arise, people should seek additional evaluation and care from a medical professional.
Drooping Eyelids
People with hypothyroidism may notice that their eye lids appear unusually heavy or droopy, The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library reports. Drooping or heavy eyelids may cause certain people to tire more quickly during activities that require extensive eye use, such as reading or working at the computer. Persistently droopy eyelids may also disrupt a person's normal field of vision, which may make it harder for them to see clearly.
Puffy Eyes
The skin around the eyes may appear swollen or puffy in people with hypothyroidism, UpToDate warns. Unusual puffiness around the eyes can be embarrassing, especially if swelling extends into the entire face.
Graves' Ophthalmopathy
People who develop low thyroid hormone levels after receiving treatment for Graves' disease, a condition characterized by high levels of thyroid hormone in the blood, may develop an eye condition called Graves' ophthalmopathy, MayoClinic.com warns. Symptoms of Graves' ophthalmopathy include eye inflammation or irritation, increased light sensitivity or eye redness or swelling. In certain instances, people with this eye condition may experience severe symptoms including decreased eye movement, blurred or double vision, vision loss or eye ulcers. People who develop Graves' ophthalmopathy symptoms should seek prompt care from a physician to avoid experiencing permanent vision complications.
