What is a positive lid lag sign?
Abigail Rogers
Updated on February 25, 2026
Lid lag is the static situation in which the upper eyelid is higher than normal with the globe in downgaze. It is most often a sign of thyroid eye disease, but may also occur with cicatricial changes to the eyelid or congenital ptosis. Lid lag differs from Von Graefe’s sign in that the latter is a dynamic process.
What is lid lag and stare?
Lid lag is a static condition in which the upper eyelid is higher than normal while the eye is in downgaze. 7. Lid lag can be measured by comparing the upper eyelid position in downgaze to its position in primary gaze relative to a fixed point like the pupil. 1.
What causes lid retraction in graves?
The cause of upper eyelid retraction associated with Graves’ disease is disputed. Proposed mechanisms include fibrosis of levator and Müller muscle, orbital proptosis, increased sympathetic innervation, abnormal adhesions between the levator and adjacent tissues, and fixation duress.
Does Graves disease cause lid lag?
Graves’ ophthalmopathy, also known as thyroid eye disease (TED), is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder of the orbit and periorbital tissues, characterized by upper eyelid retraction, lid lag, swelling, redness (erythema), conjunctivitis, and bulging eyes (exophthalmos).
Is lid lag specific for Graves disease?
Thyroid and Its Disorders Graves ophthalmopathy afflicts exclusively patients with Graves disease, whereas lid lag and lid retraction may occur in hyperthyroidism from any etiology.
How do you treat lid lag?
Several treatment options have been described for correction of eyelid retraction, including Botox and filler injection, and surgeries in the burnt-out stage such as lowering the upper lid by recessing the levator muscle, excision of Müller’s muscle, introducing a spacer, or myotomies.
What is lid lag hyperthyroidism?
Lid lag means delay in moving the eyelid as the eye moves downwards. It is a common finding in thyroid disease when it is known as Graefe’s sign.
How do I fix my lid lag?
Can thyroid problems cause droopy eyelids?
Hypothyroidism is underactivity of the thyroid gland that leads to inadequate production of thyroid hormones and a slowing of vital body functions. Facial expressions become dull, the voice is hoarse, speech is slow, eyelids droop, and the eyes and face become puffy.
What is lid lag in Graves disease?
1 Lid Lag. This sign describes the appearance of white sclera between the margin of the upper eyelid and corneal limbus as the patient looks downward. In von Graefe’s words, “… as the cornea looks down, the upper eyelid does not follow.”
What is lid lag in Graves’ ophthalmopathy?
Eyelid retraction, lid lag, lagophthalmos, and von Graefe’s sign quantifying the eyelid features of Graves’ ophthalmopathy The terms lid lag and von Graefe’s sign have been used interchangeably in the past; however, they are distinct signs of downgaze-related upper eyelid static position and dynamic movement, respectively.
How is Graves’ ophthalmopathy diagnosed in patients with Graves’ disease?
Participants: Fifty consecutive Graves’ ophthalmopathy patients were compared to a control group of 50 normal individuals. Methods: Measurements were made of eyelid position in primary gaze and downgaze to assess eyelid retraction and lid lag, and the presence of lagophthalmos and von Graefe’s sign was noted when present.
Are lid lag and von Graefe’s sign the same thing?
Conclusions: The terms lid lag and von Graefe’s sign have been used interchangeably in the past; however, they are distinct signs of downgaze-related upper eyelid static position and dynamic movement, respectively.
Can an overactive thyroid cause Graves’ eye disease?
After treatment of an overactive thyroid, there is a high risk of becoming hypothyroid (an underactive gland). Adequate thyroid replacement is essential to help keep Graves’ eye disease from getting worse. Call your doctor if you notice any changes in the appearance of your eyes or if you develop any of the symptoms of Graves’ eye disease.