Managing several medical conditions at the same time can be a challenge.
However, there are coping and self-care strategies that can help you.
Depression and Thyroid Eye Disease
Depression is common with thyroid eye disease.
Paul Simcock / Getty Images
There are treatments for depression that can help, such as medications and therapy.
Physical
Certain lifestyle changes can help you manage thyroid eye disease and feel better.
Before making any drastic modifications, talk to your healthcare provider and ask for recommendations.
Diet
Eating a balanced and healthy diet is important for your overall health.
However, thyroid eye disease and Graves disease may require you to make some changes.
Staying active can increase your flexibility, strength, and mobility.
And since Graves' disease and hyperthyroidism affect your metabolism, weight management is an important part of treatment.
Stress can make you feel worse and make it more difficult to cope with this condition.
Stress-relieving activities include:
Avoid Smoking
Smoking is linked to worse symptoms of thyroid eye disease.
If you smoke, ask your healthcare provider for help quitting or look for resources online.
Quitting smoking is also important for your overall health.
There are many methods to help you quit, such as medications or counseling.
Glasses and Sunglasses
Since thyroid eye disease can make you sensitive to light, consider wearing sunglasses.
you’re able to obtain prescription sunglasses from an eye doctor.
you’re free to order a prescription, no-line bifocal, or progressive lenses with prisms.
Use Eye Drops
Thyroid eye disease can make your eyes dry, irritated, and red.
Using eye drops and artificial tears can relieve some of these symptoms.
Thicker lubricating ointments for the eyes may also help.
Ask your healthcare provider for eye drop recommendations.
Using lubricating eye gels or ointments before bedtime may help prevent dryness resulting from your eyes not closing completely.
Social
Consider joining social support groups for people who have thyroid eye disease.
Being around others who have the same condition can help you learn new coping strategies.
It can also help you feel less alone or isolated.
Ask your healthcare provider about:
Stress is a common issue that social groups may alleviate.
Both online and in-person groups may help you by providing support during stressful times.
Most people with thyroid eye diseaseneed to see specialistsin addition to their primary care doctor.
American Thyroid Association.Graves eye disease.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Thyroid eye disease.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.What is Graves disease?
