Graves’ ophthalmopathy

Evidence: Antibody

Names

Graves’ ophthalmopathy
Graves’ eye disease
Graves’ orbitopathy Graves’ eye disease
Thyroid eye disease
Thyroid-Associated orbitopathy

Description

Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO) is an autoimmune disorder affecting the eyes that is associated with Graves’ disease.  In Graves’ disease, the immune system targets and damages a specific cell type found in the thyroid.  This cell type is also found in the tissues surrounding the eyes (the orbit), and Graves’ ophthalmopathy results when the immune system attacks these orbital cells in addition to the cells in the thyroid. 

Patients with GO experience swelling in the tissues, muscles, and fat in the eye socket, which leads to an abnormal protrusion of the eye.  Smoking is associated with a greater risk of acquiring GO.  Patients often experience full recovery without intervention, but treatments are available to manage symptoms.

Patient Groups

European group on Graves’ orbitopathy
Graves’ Disease & Thyroid Foundation

Bloggers

None found.