When my Thyroid Levels Return to Normal, Will the Bags Beneath my Eyes Disappear?

Question

I'm 21 and I have hyperthyroidism, I've tried creams and remedies to no avail. I've made an appointment to have my thyroid checked again and I was on Tapazole for about a year and then my hyperthyroidism turned into hypothyroidism before being removed off the medicine. Also, I never did see an improvement with the bags under my eyes while on the medicine but I'm hoping you'll say there's hope that they'll go away on their own if my thyroid is and stays normal.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

If  you have not noticed any improvement of the under eye area on medication, it may be that you'll need correction of the bags in order to address the bags.  Having your thyroid levels checked and balancing those levels is the right place to begin.  See an expert injector in your area after that to explore options such as fillers to help disguise under eye irregularities.

Ashley B. Robey, MD · Answer

Hyperthyroidism can cause eye problems, presenting with symptoms like exophthalmos (bulging eyes), lid retraction, dry eyes, and bags under eyes (from soft tissue swelling). It has been theorized that the body's immune system response to this disease can cause build-up of substances and swelling in the soft tissues of the eye. Typically the best treatment for eye problems related to this diagnosis would involve treatment of the diagnosis itself, namely your hyperthyroidism. You also have to make sure that you protect your eye from drying out if it is not adequately lubricated and protected. Some patients can actually note a worsening of their eye symptoms during medical therapy, and some physicians will prescribe steroids for this if indicated. Active eye disease for Grave's hyperthyroidism is reported to typically last about 2-3 years. During the remission phase, some patients will consider surgical procedures to correct the undesirable cosmetic outcomes that have occurred. If you are smoking, you should definitely quit as smokers have been shown to have more severe eye disease. I agree with your plan to follow-up with your doctor to make sure that your hyperthyroidism is adequately treated.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

NicoleGrave's disease is very complex with a wide range of orbital manifestations.  For reasons that are not well understood, the disease can target tissues around the eyes as well as the thyroid gland.  Not all Grave's cases affect the eye tissues.  For a small number, the eye changes can be severe.  The changes you are describing sound quite mild and perhaps this is all you will experience.  Once the eye changes stabilize, rehabilitation with surgery may be necessary to restore your appearance.  Talk to your endocrinologist about the value of a base line oculoplastic assessment.   Generally I like to wait 12 to 18 month for things to fully settle down before considering surgical rehabilitation.

When my Thyroid Levels Return to Normal, Will the Bags Beneath my Eyes Disappear?

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When my Thyroid Levels Return to Normal, Will the Bags Beneath my Eyes Disappear?

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