Thyroid eye disease vs Graves’ orbitopathy: Which name should you use?

Thyroid eye disease and Graves’ orbitopathy are often used interchangeably, which according to a new study, makes it more difficult to evaluate scientific literature and collaborate clinically, in addition to confusing patients.

In an effort to standardize terminology describing eye disease associated with autoimmune thyroid disease, researchers reviewed the literature to compare the frequency of each term and any potential associations between specialties and professional societies.

In 2000, the most commonly used term in literature was “Graves’ Ophthalmopathy,” accounting for 61%. By 2010, “Graves’ Orbitopathy” became the most popular with 31%, followed by Graves’ Ophthalmopathy with 30%. From 2010 to 2020, use of “thyroid eye disease” increased, accounting for 37% of the literature, followed by “Graves’ Orbitopathy” with 35%.

The authors concluded that “thyroid eye disease” should be considered the preferred name.

Reference
Wagner LH, Bradley EA, Tooley AA, et al. Thyroid eye disease or Graves’ orbitopathy: What name to use, and why it matters. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2022;13:1083886. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1083886. PMID: 36518254; PMCID: PMC9742525.