Graefe Test
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
The Graefe test is a diagnostic procedure where a prism is placed before the patient's eye to detect heterophoria by observing the horizontal displacement of a flame's images. It is also characterized by a white scleral strip visible between the upper eyelid and iris when the eye looks downward, which is characteristic of Basedow's disease.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
GRAEFE TEST, SIGN (Graefe). The G. test consists of placing a prism base-down or base-up before the patient's eye. The patient must fixate on a flame and see two of its images positioned exactly one above the other. In the presence of heterophoria, i.e., a disturbance in the balance of the eye muscles, these images shift horizontally. The G. sign is characteristic of Basedow's disease and consists of the fact that when the eyeball is turned downward, the upper eyelid lags behind, so that a white strip of sclera remains visible between it and the upper edge of the iris.
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Cite this page
“Graefe Test.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/graefe-test/