Graves' Ophthalmopathy

This article reviews the mechanisms that lead to the development of Graves' ophthalmopathy. A central feature in its development is autoimmunity that involves not only T cells, B cells, and macrophages but also fibroblasts and adipose tissue within the orbit. Intraorbital cytokine-mediated inflammation also has a prominent role. These recent findings suggest new ways of treating this debilitating disease.