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.
Bloggers
None found.
Prevalence
US Cases: 500,000 [Bartalena 2009]: 25% of persons with Graves’ disease.
Typical Age of onset
40
Symptoms
Early symptoms
Feeling of irritation in the eyes
Excessive tearing or dry eye
Forward displacement of the eye
Sensitivity to light and double vision
Late symptoms
Swelling of the eye
Inability to move the eye
Corneal ulceration
Loss of vision (rare)
