Bulging/Wandering Left Eye (history of thyroid disease)

Hello,
I've had thyroid disease (thyroiditis, in which the thyroid levels fluctuate and do not respond to medication e.g. methimazole during hyperthyroidism), since 2002, but my levels have been pretty much normal for at least a year. However, in that time I've started having a slightly wandering left eye. I first noticed it in 2007 and it is now always present, regardless of thyroid levels. The left eye also appears to bulge slightly more than the right eye. Also, whenever I experience headaches it is almost always on the left side only, and feels most uncomfortable behind the eyes.

Clearly, I need to see an ophthalmologist, but would appreciate any insight before I do that.

What I'd like to know is: if this is a byproduct of thyroid disease, what can I do to get rid of it? What kind of surgery needs to be performed? Thanks!

Liz

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Thyroiditis doesn't cause many eye problems, Graves Disease (hyperthyroidism does).

You may have strabismus. See an Eye MD ideally a "pediatric ophthalmologist. They do adult eye muscle problems also

FInd one at www.aao.org

JCH MD