Ethnic differences in the clinical presentation of Graves' ophthalmopathy.

ABSTRACT

Ethnic differences in a number of eye conditions have been described. The literature on ethnic differences in Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) is limited. There is some evidence to suggest Asian patients with GO may manifest milder phenotypic features of GO, with less proptosis and evidence of extraocular muscle involvement and restriction. The reasons for these differences are likely to be multifactorial and include orbital and lid anatomy, genetic background and autoimmune responses including TSH -receptor antibodies. These differences should be kept in mind when evaluating and managing patients with GO.