By Jennifer Whitmire MS, MEd, MH, CHES, NEP

As someone who has spent years trying to get to the root of autoimmune thyroid disease, I have come to realize that vision and eye health are too often overlooked. What started out as frustration and fear has turned into empowerment.

When I was first diagnosed with autoimmune thyroid disease, I had no idea that my vision could be affected. It was shocking to hear that my eyes and my vision were now at risk.  When I first got my diagnosis, I had never heard of Graves disease.  I dug into the research and kept seeing pictures of people with eyes that bulged.  In college, there was someone who worked at the nearest gas station who had those eyes.  I HOPE that she had a diagnosis and was seeing a knowledgeable doctor.

How Are The Eyes Affected in Autoimmune Thyroid Disease?

Autoimmune thyroid disease, particularly Graves’ disease, can lead to what is known as thyroid eye disease (TED). (TED is only 1 condition related to vision and autoimmune thyroid) This causes inflammation and swelling of the eye muscles and leads to symptoms like double vision, bulging eyes, and even vision loss. I actually have had episodes where I had double vision during my first pregnancy 7 years earlier, and now I wonder if that was an early sign that was missed. Did anyone check my thyroid back then?

TED is caused by an autoimmune response where the immune system attacks the tissues around the eyes. According to studies published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, approximately 25-50% of people with Graves’ disease develop some form of thyroid eye disease. It is terrifying! 

Research has shown that the inflammation in TED is driven by cytokines. Cytokines became a household word during the pandemic.  These are small proteins released by immune cells that signals other cells that we’re under attack. These cytokines can cause the eye muscles and fatty tissues behind the eyes to swell. This swelling can lead to the characteristic bulging of the eyes seen in TED patients.

Are There Signs of TED?

The first signs of trouble are subtle. I noticed that my eyes felt dry and gritty, and I experienced occasional bouts of blurred vision. At first, I brushed it off as a side effect of staring at screens for too long. But as the symptoms continued, I knew there was something more serious going on.

Dry eyes can often be an early sign of TED, because the inflammation affects tear production. BUT… most autoimmune diseases come in pairs or triplets, and Sjogren’s also shows up as dry eyes.

If you have any vision symptoms, blurry vision, double vision, seeing spots, that’s a wake-up call. Your eyes are sending signals, and it is time to listen. Double vision occurs when the muscles that control eye movement become swollen and do not work properly, leading to misaligned images.

For those of you who know me personally, you know I have one eye that doesn’t move to the left. Sometimes I look cross-eyed.  For me, if I look left, I see double.  So it wasn’t new for me to see double until it occurred when I wasn’t just looking left.

Get Help Early On!

One of the most important lessons I have learned is that you need to make a change as soon as you notice something is off. If you have autoimmune thyroid disease, don’t wait for your vision to get worse before seeking help. Regular eye exams and open communication with your doctor can make all the difference. Make a change before you have a permanent complication.

Unfortunately, we have to advocate for our own health and be proactive in seeking the care we need.

Convention medicine for TED may include:

– Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation which doesn’t get to the root and leads to leaky gut and insulin resistance

– Selenium supplements which you don’t need a doctor for and can get from your food (get your selenium checked the next time you have labs. You can have too much!)

–  Surgery to relieve pressure on the optic nerve or correct double vision

I’m not telling you to go against your doctor’s recommendations, but you can tackle inflammation and diet on your own.  

What Is Causing the Inflammation?

I have had clients whose pressure dropped when they went gluten and sugar free. In just 3 months, their doctor couldn’t even believe the pressure had dropped so much.  Sometimes, it is the simple things.  Ask your doctor how urgent the situation is.  If you can safely wait 3 months, wouldn’t it be worth it to just try something You Can Control?  

The steroids are going to have to be continued and possibly even increased, and the surgery is going to have to be repeated if you don’t make a lifestyle change anyway.

1. Embrace a Nutrient-Rich Diet

Diet is key in maintaining eye health. Foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can help reduce inflammation and support healthy eyes. 

Omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed, walnuts, hemp seeds, and algae (even fish oil but fish get it from the algae) are known to reduce inflammation. 

Leafy greens like spinach and kale and even zucchini are high in lutein and zeaxanthin, which help with eye health. 

Start adding more greens, rainbow vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids into your diet. 

STOP THE SUGAR! And the gluten and dairy! 

For more about sugar and autoimmune thyroid click here.  If you still aren’t convinced about gluten, click here.  Won’t give up the cheese or dairy creamer?  Read this.

According to a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a diet rich in antioxidants can help protect the eyes from oxidative stress, which is a key factor in the developing TED. Antioxidants like vitamins C and E, zinc, and selenium are also vital for thyroid health AND in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation.

2. Prioritize Hydration

Staying hydrated is essential. Proper hydration helps keep the eyes moist and reduces the risk of dryness and irritation. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends that women drink about 2.7 liters (91 ounces) of water daily, and men should aim for 3.7 liters (125 ounces). That’s even more than I have been telling my clients.  I have always said ½ your body weight in ounces.  I need to up my water!  

Start SLOW!  If you don’t already drink water, slowly increase it. Start with 1 quart a day for a few days, then 1 ½ quarts for 2-3 days, then 2 quarts and so on.  Otherwise, you’ll be running to the bathroom all day long. Let your body get used to a certain amount. It’s literally dying of thirst at the moment and doesn’t know what to do with it.

3. Practice Good Eye Hygiene

• Wash your hands before touching your eyes
• Take breaks from screen time and look into the distance every so often
• Blink. Let your natural tears moisten and cleanse your eyes

These practices help reduce the risk of infections and strain on the eyes. 

The 20-20-20 rule involves taking a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away every 20 minutes. This helps alleviate eye strain from prolonged screen use.

4. Manage Stress

Stress aggravates autoimmune conditions, so find ways to activate your vagus nerve and manage stress. Each month in The Zen & Zest Zone, Jennifer Swank teaches us practices, tips and tools, and deep breathing exercises that help us stay calm and centered.

The vagus nerve, which plays a role in reducing inflammation and stress, can be stimulated through activities like laughter yoga and neurographic art which is what she taught in January’s Zone. Research shows that managing stress can positively impact immune function and reduce symptoms of autoimmune diseases.

A study published in Psychoneuroendocrinology found that stress management techniques can lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

5. Get Regular Exercise

Exercise is great for overall health AND supports healthy blood flow to the eyes. Regular physical activity can help reduce inflammation and improve circulation. Get out and walk!  It can be as simple as that.  Your body was made to move!  You have to move to maintain your health.

6. Maintain Balanced Blood Sugar Levels

Check your A1C and Fasting Insulin.  EVERYONE!  

The conventional medical symptom does not address blood sugar issues until damage has already occurred.  You MUST take your health into your own hands. 

Maintaining balanced blood sugar levels is vital for your overall health, and it can have horrible complications in autoimmune antibodies and eye health. Research shows that high blood sugar levels can aggravate autoimmune responses and increase antibodies!

Getting blood sugar under control through diet and lifestyle changes can help reduce these autoimmune responses. Avoiding high-glycemic foods, processed foods, and flours of ALL kinds, and focusing on whole foods with a low glycemic index can help maintain stable blood sugar levels.

High blood sugar levels can damage the small blood vessels in the eyes, leading to diabetic retinopathy. This damage can cause vision loss! By keeping blood sugar levels in check, you can protect your eyes and reduce the risk of complications. Including foods that support blood sugar balance, such as leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and non-starchy vegetables, can make a huge difference.

Join The Zen & Zest Zone

If you’re on a similar journey and looking for a supportive community, I invite you to join The Jen Twins membership group, The Zen & Zest Zone. This is a space where we come together to learn, grow, and take control of our health.

What We Offer

• Food as Medicine Cooking Classes: Our monthly classes focus on gluten-free, whole food plant-based, and low glycemic recipes. We provide shopping lists, recipes, and bonus recipes to make healthy eating accessible and enjoyable.
• Herbal Workshops: Learn about the healing power of herbs with our monthly workshops. We offer demos and creations you can make at home to support your wellness journey.
• Functional Movement Classes: Stay active and have fun with our monthly movement classes designed to keep your body strong and flexible.
• Zen Classes: Nourish your vagus nerve with our unique classes that include neurographic art, laughter yoga, and other stress-relief techniques.
• Discounts and More: As a member, you’ll receive discounts on our programs and access to exclusive content.

Take Action Today

Your health journey is personal and unique, and you don’t have to go through it alone. The Zen & Zest Zone is here to support you every step of the way. Join us today and take the first step towards a healthier, more vibrant life.

Vision and eye health are critical components of managing autoimmune thyroid disease. By being proactive, you can protect your eyes and get and stay healthy. Remember, your health is in your hands. Take control, seek support, and join us in The Zen & Zest Zone. You deserve to see the world clearly and live your best life.