Hi, thanks for asking in Healthcare Magic.

The eye symptoms you are mentioning is typical of Graves' disease. Bulging of eyes, redness, difficulty in seeing (double vision or diplopia) and swelling around eyes are present along with thyroid gland enlargement. It is an autoimmune disorder ie., stimulation of immune system that results in excessive stimulation of thyroid gland. Excess of thyroxine (thyroid hormone) is produced by thyroid gland in Graves' disease

Anti thyroid drugs like Propyl thiouracil or Carbimazole are used in the treatment of Graves' disease.

High iodine intake increases thyroid production. Your mother should avoid taking iodised salt, fish and aspartame (the sweetener which triggers auto immune reaction). She should also avoid berries, tomatoes and bell peppers which will increase thyroxine level.

She can take goitrogenic food stuffs like soy products, gluten, turnip, spinach and cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and brussel sprouts. These are known goitrogens and reduce thyroid hormone synthesis.

I hope this is useful to you.

Hi and welcome to HCM!
Thanks for posting your query here.

Protruding of the eyeball is called exophthalmos. It can be seen in hyperthyroidism, Graves disease, or any orbital injury. If it is related to the thyroid problem it is because of inflammatory oedema around the periorbital area-around the eye. This causes the eyes to come out. After starting the antithyroid medicine it will take time to resolve the swelling. On an approx it will take 1 to 2 months. It depends on the control of the thyroid hormone.

Sometimes the eye protrudence will increase initially with the antithyroid treatment. Hence a prior check should be done with an eye doctor who will check the retina, optic disc and optic nerve treatment.
In exophthalmos the eyelids cannot close the eyes completely while blinking. This will reduce the moisture of the eye causing dryness. In serious cases it may cause a condition called keratoconjunctivitis. Hence the eye should be protected with measures like closing the eyelids completely voluntarily. Moisture drops can also be used. Ask your mother not to read continuously because it will strain the eye. The head end can be elevated with pillows which will reduce the puffiness around the eyes.
Please consult an ophthalmologist who will guide you by examining the eye completely.
Red fruits like papaya, oranges,carrot, beet root support the eye.

Wishing your mother a happy recovery.
Regards