Thyroid disease, strabismus linked
Individuals suffering from thyroid disorders are placed at a greater risk of developing strabismus or lazy eyes, new studies suggest.
Strabismus, a disorder in which the eyes do not line up in the same direction when focusing, is a common eye disease, particularly among children. In order to overcome the defect, the brain may learn to ignore the input from one eye, leading to permanent vision loss in that eye in severe cases.
Early diagnosis of the condition can significantly lower the rate of complications; physicians are therefore urged to screen children during infancy and before entering the school for the disease.
Genetics and positive family history for the condition are considered as the main factors contributing to strabismus. Other conditions including botulism, diabetes, Guillain-Barre syndrome, injuries to the eye, shellfish poisoning, stroke, traumatic brain injury and vision loss from any eye disease or injury are other risk factors for the eye disorder.
“Studies have revealed that apart from genetics, tumors and eye injuries, thyroid diseases increase the risk of having lazy eyes,” said Hussein Eslamian, an eye surgeon.
He went on to say that hyperthyroidism is the most common thyroid disorder linked with various degrees of strabismus, adding that the disorder is worsened in individuals with an underlying thyroid disease.
Source: presstv.ir
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