[Progression of the pathogenesis of thyroid associated ophthalmopathy]

Thyroid associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is a common complication of Graves' disease (GD). The clinical manifestations are mainly swelling and retracted eyelid, protopsis and limited eye movements, and optic neuropathy can be seen in severe cases. The mechanism of TAO is not yet clear. A large number of studies have found that the disorders of autoimmunity play an important role in TAO, while genetic factors, oxidative stress, and environmental factors such as smoking participate in it. Therefore, we consult a large number of studies and expound the pathogenesis from the aspects of genetic susceptibility, immune mechanism, oxidative stress, and the effects of smoking to provide referrences for clinical associated studies. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2017, 53: 474-480).