Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid causing inflammation. The inflammation in the thyroid causes a sluggish metabolism and slowing of meibum production, as well as inflammation of the cells that break down in the miebomian glands and transform into meibum. Consequently, the fatty acids that make up meibum are altered. The resulting meibum is unstable and of poor quality, leading to evaporative dry eye.
Reference
Presence of Dry Eye in Patients with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Kan E, Kılıçkan E, Ecemiş G, Beyazyildiz E, Çolak R.
Journal of Ophthalmology
2014;2014:754923. doi: 10.1155/2014/754923. Epub 2014 Dec 14.
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