Thyroid associated ophthalmopathy(TAO)is a type of orbital disease, it is caused by a specific autoimmune reaction, and is closely related to thyroid disease. Furthermore, TAO significantly affects the appearance and visual functionality of patients. Moreover, those with severe symptoms are at a risk of blindness, which makes it difficult for them to lead normal lives. However, its pathogenesis has not been fully established yet. Autophagy, is a process of phagocytosis and degradation of its own cytoplasmic proteins or organelles, this realizes the metabolic needs of cells and the renewal of some organelles. Previous studies have shown that, compared to normal people, the level of orbital autophagy in TAO patients is higher, and it plays an important role in the occurrence and development of the disease. This paper briefly describes the role of autophagy in the occurrence and development of TAO from three aspects, namely, inflammation, fat formation, and glycosaminoglycan(GAG)accumulation.