Graves-Basedow is an autoimmune thyroid disorder leading to hyperthyroidism (hyperthyroidism). The immune system attacks the thyroid gland, causing an overproduction of thyroid hormones, which speeds up the body's metabolism. In the context of ophthalmology, the disease often causes Graves' orbitopathy, characterised by ocular exophthalmos (proptosis), swelling of the soft tissues around the eyes, double vision and inflammation of the ocular muscles. Ocular symptoms can be painful and affect quality of life. Treatment of Graves-Basedow disease includes pharmacotherapy, radioactive iodine treatment or surgery, and for ocular complications, steroid therapy, radiotherapy or corrective surgery.
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