Can hyperthyroidism cause cataracts​?

Cataracts are very common as we get older. They make the lens in your eye cloudy. This makes it hard to see clearly. Many people want to know what causes cataracts. One question that comes up is: can hyperthyroidism cause cataracts?

Hyperthyroidism is a condition that affects your thyroid gland. It can make your body work too fast. Because it affects many parts of the body, people wonder if it also harms the eyes.

In this blog, we will look at what hyperthyroidism is, what cataracts are, and if the two are linked. We will also look at what you can do if you have both conditions.

What Is hyperthyroidism?

Your thyroid is a small gland in your neck. It makes hormones that help control your body’s energy. When you have hyperthyroidism, your thyroid makes too much hormone. This can speed things up in your body.

Common signs include:

• Weight loss
• Feeling nervous
• Fast heartbeat
• Heat intolerance
• Shaking hands
• Trouble sleeping

Hyperthyroidism can affect your muscles, skin, and sometimes your eyes. Some people develop eye problems such as dry eyes, swollen lids, or bulging eyes. This is called thyroid eye disease.

But does it cause cataracts? Let’s explore that.

What are cataracts?

A cataract happens when the lens inside your eye becomes cloudy. This cloud makes it harder to see. It can feel like looking through fogged-up glass.

Common symptoms include:

• Blurry vision
• Light glare
• Faded colours
• Trouble seeing at night

Cataracts usually develop slowly. They are most common in older adults. They can also be caused by diabetes, steroid use, or eye injury.

The only way to fix a cataract is surgery. During cataract surgery, Professor Paul Ursell, a leading cataract surgeon in Surrey, removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a clear artificial one.

Can hyperthyroidism cause cataracts?

Hyperthyroidism does not directly cause cataracts. There is no strong medical link between the two. Cataracts form when the lens in the eye changes over time. Hyperthyroidism affects hormones and body systems, but it does not usually affect the lens.

However, there are some ways hyperthyroidism may play an indirect role:

1. Steroid medication

Some people with thyroid eye disease may need steroid medicines. Steroids can help reduce swelling around the eyes. But long-term steroid use is a known risk factor for cataracts.

This means it is not the thyroid condition itself, but the treatment for it, that can increase cataract risk.

2. Age

Hyperthyroidism is more common in older adults. Cataracts are also more common in older adults. This means the two conditions often appear together simply because of age, not because one causes the other.

3. Eye surface problems

Hyperthyroidism can cause dry eyes or swelling around the eyes. These issues do not cause cataracts, but they may make cataract symptoms feel worse or more noticeable.

What if you have both hyperthyroidism and cataracts?

It is possible to have both conditions at the same time. They need to be managed separately.

1. Managing hyperthyroidism

Your doctor may use:

• Medication
• Radioactive iodine
• Surgery on the thyroid

This helps bring your thyroid levels back to normal. When levels are controlled, eye symptoms may also improve.

2. Managing cataracts

If cataracts affect your daily life, like reading, driving, or seeing faces, it may be time to consider cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is safe, quick, and very effective.

If you choose cataract surgery, Professor Paul Ursell will examine your eyes to make sure you are ready for surgery and that the surgery will give you the best sight possible.

What happens during cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgeries in the world. It usually takes around 10–15 minutes per eye.

Here’s what happens:

1. Your eye is numbed with drops.
2. Professor Paul Ursell makes a tiny cut in the eye.
3. The cloudy lens is removed.
4. A new clear artificial lens is placed inside.

You go home the same day. Most people see better within a few days.

Does hyperthyroidism affect cataract surgery?

In most cases, no. If your thyroid levels are under control, cataract surgery should go smoothly.

However, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• If you have thyroid eye disease with eye swelling, Professor Paul Ursell may want to check the shape of your eye more carefully.
• If you use steroid drops or tablets, he will discuss how this may affect healing.

Most people with hyperthyroidism can safely have cataract surgery and enjoy great results.

How to protect your eye health

If you have hyperthyroidism, here are simple ways to care for your eyes:

• Use eye drops if you have dry eyes.
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from light.
• Keep your thyroid condition well-managed.
• Get regular eye checks.
• Tell your eye doctor about any medicine you take.

These steps can help keep your eyes healthy and make sure cataracts are found early.

When should you see an eye specialist?

You should book an eye exam if you notice:

• Blurry vision
• Trouble reading
• Light glare
• Trouble driving at night
• Double vision
• Colours that seem faded

These can be signs of cataracts. An eye exam will show if cataracts are forming and how much they affect your sight.

If cataracts begin to get in the way of daily life, it may be time to think about surgery with Professor Paul Ursell.

Take the cataract suitability self test

If you want to know whether cataract surgery might be right for you, take our quick suitability self test. It only takes a minute and can help you understand your next steps.