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Von Graefe's sign
System: Hormone & Metabolic Signs · All hormone & metabolic signs
What it is — and how it is elicited
When the eyes follow a target moving slowly downward, the upper eyelid lags behind the eyeball, briefly exposing white sclera above the iris (lid lag on downgaze).
What a positive finding suggests
Associated with thyroid eye disease (Graves' ophthalmopathy).
◈ Behind the name
Albrecht von Graefe (1828–1870), German ophthalmologist, founder of modern ophthalmology.
Related signs — Hormone & Metabolic Signs
Browse the V section of the A–Z list or return to the Clinical Signs hub.
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.