The relationship between Graves’ ophthalmopathy and dry eye syndrome

Abstract

Jessica H Selter,1 Anisa I Gire,2 Shameema Sikder2 1Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 2Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA Background: A complex relationship between Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO) and dry eye syndrome exists. New research brings more insight into the association between these two diseases.Methods: A review of the literature was conducted using the query terms “Graves’ Ophthalmopathy”, “Thyroid Eye Disease”, and “Dry Eye” in MedLine (PubMed) and Scopus. A total of 55 papers were reviewed. Case reports were excluded.Conclusion: This review paper shows the close relationship between dry eye syndrome and GO. The underlying mechanisms behind their association suggest mechanical impairment of orbital muscles and immune-mediated lacrimal gland dysfunction as the causes of dry eye in GO patients. However, there are a variety of treatment options available for patients with GO with signs of dry eye, which help combat this issue. Keywords: Graves’ ophthalmopathy, dry eye, thyroid eye disease, ocular inflammation