Graves orbitopathy

advances in ophthalmic and surgical treatment

Abstract

Graves ‘ Orbitopathy is an autoimmune disease in which lymphocytes act incorrectly and attack different organs of the body, including the orbital tissues. Inflammation and swelling produced in these tissues increases the volume of fat and the muscles become thickened. Thus, the eyeball is moved forward and promotes the “exoftalmus” or proptosis. In addition, the involvement of extrinsic eye muscles can lead to strabismus and of the eyelids can lead to eyelid retraction, the sign more prevalent of this disease. This article reviews what’s new in terms of surgical treatment for this disease. Furthermore, it addresses the therapy from the point of view of the ophthalmologist.