Can Thyroid Problems Cause Under Eye Bags

Treatment Can Start At Home

Treatments for eye bags include at-home remedies, such as cold compresses, tea bags on the eyes, and chilled cucumber slices placed over the eyes . Additionally, over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams can be used as a remedy for eye bags, as they contain phenylephrine, which can narrow blood vessels and bring swelling down. However, great caution should be applied when using this treatment, as these creams can cause irritation.

In addition, you can try to get enough sleep, and sleep with your head raised slightly to keep fluid from pooling beneath your eyes at night . In more severe cases, a surgical procedure called blepharoplasty may be necessary. In a blepharoplasty, a surgeon will reposition the fat under the eyes and, if necessary, remove excess skin. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, there are risks associated with this procedure, including eyelid problems, skin discoloration, and temporary blurring of vision. Before taking any measures to manage eye bags, discuss your condition with your doctor or ophthalmologist to determine what’s best for you and your eyes.

What Causes Puffy Eyes

Puffy eyes usually appear either as a result of the natural ageing process, or due to a build-up of fluid in the thin layers of skin and connective tissue surrounding your eyes. Lifestyle factors, such as how much you sleep and exercise, and what you eat and drink, can have a massive impact on puffiness.

Here are some of the possible causes of puffy eyes, listed:

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Lifestyle And Home Remedies For Puffiness

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How Can The Thyroid Gland Affect The Eyes

Thyroid disorders, either with elevated hormone level or a depressed hormone level , can affect the eyes. Statistically an under active thyroid gland is more common, which may contribute to increase tired, worn-out appearance and wrinkles.

For some thyroid patients, especially with hyperthyroidism, under eye bags are increased. In advanced cases, the eyes may appear to bulge out of their head.

Most plastic surgeons performing eyelid surgery will evaluate for thyroid condition, in conjunction with the patients primary physician, prior to any facial cosmetic surgery. It is very difficult to determine, however, how much of ones appearance is specifically due to thyroid condition vs. normal aging vs. genetics, or other factors.

Thyroid Glands Relation To The Eye

Although Graves’ disease and Graves’ eye disease both stem from the immune systems attack on healthy tissue, one disease does not directly cause the other. Thats why treatment of the thyroid gland, while important, does not improve the eye disease. The two diseases run their separate courses and do not necessarily occur at the same time.

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What Causes Thyroid Eye Disease

TED is usually associated with systemic hyperthyroidism or Graves’ disease. This disease is caused by what is described as an autoimmune process. Autoimmune disease may be understood as a process by which the body sees some part of itself as being foreign and reacts to it much the same way that it would to any bacteria or virus.

In the case of Graves’ disease, the body sees the thyroid gland as the foreign object and produces antibodies that attack the thyroid gland. This often causes the thyroid gland to become over active.

The eye version of this disease is called Thyroid Eye Disease. However, in the case of TED, different antibodies attack the muscles associated with eye and eyelid movement. Although the thyroid gland and the eye may be under attack by the same immune system, it is felt that both conditions remain mostly independent of one another. The antibodies that attack the eye can cause inflammation and swelling of the fat and muscles around the eye, which is what can eventually cause bulging of the eyes, double vision and retraction of the eyelids.

Will my eyes go back to normal after treatment?

Aging Can Be Unkind To Your Eyes

As we age, we lose skin tone, causing the tissues around the eye to grow weak . As these eye tissues weaken, fat can slide forward into the lower eyelids, creating the swollen look commonly associated with puffy eye bags. In addition, fluid can also collect under the eyes, causing swelling. According to the Cleveland Clinic, age-related loosening of the skin can cause the blood vessels under your eyes to become more visible, leading to the appearance of dark circles.

Aging is not the only factor in your eyes looking puffy. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, puffy eyes can be caused by eating a high-salt diet, which leads to water retention, or allergies, which can create inflammation under the eyes. Genetics are a big culprit as well, according to plastic surgeon Dr. Brett Kotlus. Chances are if family members such as parents or siblings have eye bags, you most likely will as well.

It is important to note that some medical conditions can make these under-eye bags worse . These include thyroid problems, kidney issues, and an adrenal deficiency brought on by factors, such as stress, lack of exercise, poor diet, or medications that can affect sleep patterns.

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How To Get Rid Of Dark Circles Under Your Eyes

Theres nothing inherently wrong with having dark undereye circles. But because they can signal certain health conditions and unhealthy lifestyle factors, its important to make sure you see your doctor regularly and maintain a healthy lifestyle to get at the root of your undereye bag problem.

Dark circles or undereye bags due to aging are usually not reversible, says Zoumalan. However, there are treatments available which are solely about aesthetics and dont serve a medical purpose. There is no one-size-fits all solution for managing the appearance of dark circles and under-eye bags, says Zoumalan. Each person is different and requires customized solutions to treat the area, so theres a plethora of ways you can conceal or treat dark undereye circles and bags, from cosmetics to surgery.

Skincare can be a good start, Goldstein says. The easiest treatment is to conceal the dark circles using optical diffusers with minerals such as nitride, mica, silica, silicone powder, talc, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, she says. These compounds can help lighten up your visage and hide the circles. Using creams containing peptides of retinoids, or chemical peels, can also improve collagen and decrease melanin production, which can also help plump up the lower eyelids.

For more severe cases of bags caused by undereye hollowing, injectable fillers using hyaluronic acid products can quickly even out the fatty pads in the under-eye area, Goldstein says.

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The Eye Specialist Role

Your specialist can provide simple solutions to the irritation, tearing and swelling often associated with TED. Often, this involves something as simple as using artificial tears during the day and lubrication ointment at night. Your specialist can determine when your eyes have stopped changing and whether corrective surgery is needed. Your specialist may also watch for the rare serious problems associated with TED that need prompt treatment.

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Can Thyroid Issues Cause Eye Problems

• How to manage your eye health

The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck. This endocrine gland is responsible for regulating your body’s energy use. It works with other glands and systems of the body to help determine what the body needs. For example, if you are cold or hot, this gland creates hormones that travel to the body’s cells to help regulate your body temperature. When you have issues with your thyroid, whether it is overactive or underactive , it can affect your body in different ways. As the thyroid gland regulates cellular metabolism in all the cells of your body, virtually every body system is affected when there is an issue with thyroid function.

How your thyroid and any problems it may have affects your vision is dependent on your diagnosis. Understanding your thyroid health and how it can affect your eyes and vision is the first step to ensuring your eye health remains intact while managing your thyroid condition.

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Can Hypothyroidism Cause Under Eye Bags

Hi. I have hypothyroidism and take Synthroid. My levels are “ok” as per my family physician. However, I hate my malar bags and under eye bags. How can a doctor tell if these conditions are related to hypothyroidism?I am considering plastic surgery and my insurance co requires a letter of medical necessity to cover this. What constitutes medical necessity in this instance? Thank you.Carole

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Take Care Of Your Whole Self

When you make your overall physical and mental health a priority, you give your body the best shot at managing your symptoms. If you smoke, stop. Eat healthy foods, get regular exercise, and work stress-relieving practices such as meditation, mindfulness, or deep breathing exercises into your day to help you feel your best as you treat your condition.

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Thyroid Eye Disease Symptoms Vary

TED symptoms can vary, and they may come and go, but Marx lists these as a few of the most common:

• Eyelid retractionHappens when muscles surrounding the eye swell and push the eye forward, pulling upper and lower eyelids back.
• Eye protrusionSwelling may push the eye forward and make the patient look like they are staring.
• Dry eyeWhen the eyes retract or protrude, theyre exposed to dust and wind. This can cause dryness and an uncomfortable, scratchy feeling. It may also cause blurry vision and light sensitivity.
• Vision changesSwelling around the eye may cause double vision. It can also put pressure on the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain.
• Eye bagsSwelling can cause the tissue around the eye to bulge, commonly called bags around the eyes.

Fortunately, we can treat all of these symptoms, and some new drugs are helping to make a real difference for some patients. But the treatments can vary as much as the symptoms, says Marx. Because TED diagnoses and symptoms tend toward the complex, patients need to work closely with their ophthalmologists and thyroid specialists to find the best, customized treatments.

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When To See A Doctor

See your doctor if you have swelling around your eyes that doesnt go away after 24 to 48 hours.

A mild eye infection can go away on its own. Its important to have it checked in case its more serious. An infection can cause complications in your eye if left untreated.

Get immediate medical attention if you have symptoms of an eye infection or other health condition. These include:

How To Get Rid Of Bags Under Your Eyes

Are you wondering why you have puffy eyes or how you can make under-eye bags disappear? Good news: Although they can be bothersome, bags under your eyes dont usually impact vision or health. But if you want to reduce the puffiness around your eyes, there are temporary and long-lasting solutions.

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The Role Of Fishing Sunglasses

The special effect of the polarized lens is to effectively eliminate and filter the scattered light from the beam. In general, a polarized lens can arrange all the light in the same direction, so that the visual field is clear and natural. It also blocks ultraviolet light, reducing damage to the eyes and clearing out blinding light. Fishing glasses have the function of polarized light, so they can block all harmful light without affecting the transmission of visible light, which can really achieve the function of eye protection. In addition to the basic anti-ultraviolet function, fishing glasses also have the functions of anti-glare, reducing pavement reflection light and water scale light, etc., suitable for driving, fishing, tourism, and daily wear.

What Causes Bags Under Your Eyes

If you’ve experienced puffy, saggy bags or dark circles under your eyes, you’re not alone. Experts say that anyone at any age can develop these unwanted eye bags . Perhaps what’s more distressing is that, according to those in the know, there is no way to completely get rid of these bags once you develop them, outside of surgery.

Although eye bags can be unsightly, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, they’re unlikely to impact your vision or result in any health consequences. There are some cases in which baggy eyes can be a sign of an underlying condition, such as dermatitis, thyroid eye disease, and renal problems . However, more often than not, the causes of eye bags can be traced to more common maladies, such as aging, lack of sleep, smoking, or allergies. Unfortunately, your genes can also be a culprit, as eye bags tend to run in families.

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Allergies And Thyroid Conditions

Thyroid conditionsboth hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidismcan cause under-eye bags or circles. Treating these conditions will often help improve your eyes’ appearance.

Allergies that produce nasal or sinus congestion will also increase puffiness around the eyes. Congestion can cause blood to pool in the capillaries underneath the eyes, leading to puffiness and dark circles called allergic shiners. To prevent swelling and puffiness in the eye area, you can try to stay away from allergens as much as possible.

Put Into The Lens Box When Not In Use

When taking off glasses, many people will easily hang them on the head, collar, or casual display, so that glasses often suffer a variety of damage. To do this, fold the glasses and place them face up in the case. Do not place your glasses in direct sunlight or in high temperatures, as heat can easily peel off the film on the lens. For example, in summer, the glasses are exposed to direct sunlight in the car for a long time, which is easy to cause lens stripping.

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How To Reduce Under Eye Dark Circles

The simplest, quickest way to reduce under eye bags and dark circles is to apply a cold compress. It helps to reduce swelling and shrinks the dilated blood vessels around the eyes, minimising the appearance of under eye circles. Another common solution is simply just to get more sleep. Weve written previously about the benefits of sleeping for your eye health, and this extends to reducing the appearance of puffy, tired eyes.

For some people, however, cold compresses and an extra hour in bed wont make much difference to their under eye dark circles. Some people, particularly those whose eye sockets are deeper than usual, might benefit from tissue fillers. This pads out the area below the eye and leaves the skin looking less sunken, achieving a more lifted appearance.

Another popular surgical procedure to remove eye bags is cosmetic eye surgery. Also known as Blepharoplasty, its a procedure we offer here at Optimax. Excess skin, fat and muscle are carefully removed from both the upper and lower eyelids, eliminating the previously hooded and puffy appearance of them. With a simple procedure and relatively quick recovery time, cosmetic eye surgery is growing in popularity all the time. Please get in touch, either by emailing or calling 0800 093 1110 if youd like to learn more about cosmetic eye surgery at Optimax.

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