Gifford's sign

System: Hormone & Metabolic Signs · All hormone & metabolic signs

What it is — and how it is elicited

Difficulty in turning over (everting) the upper eyelid during eye examination, because of thickening and infiltration of the lid.

What a positive finding suggests

Associated with thyroid eye disease (Graves' ophthalmopathy).

◈ Behind the name

Harold Gifford (1858–1929), American ophthalmologist.

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Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.