• Alternative names
• Defination
• Causes, Incidence and Risk Factors

• Prevention
• Symptoms
• Signs & Tests
• Treatment

• Expectations
• Complications
• Calling Your health care provider

Alternative Names

Protruding eyes; exophthalmos; proptosis; bulging eyes

Defination

The abnormal protrusion of one or both eyeballs.

Considerations
Prominent, but not bulging, eyes may be a family characteristic. Bulging eyes should receive prompt attention. Bulging of a single eye, especially in children, is a very significant sign and should be evaluated immediately.

Hyperthyroidism (Graves' disease) is probably the most common cause of bulging eyes (exophthalmos). With this condition, the eyes don't blink very often and seem to have a staring quality. The eye changes develop slowly and family members may not notice until the condition is relatively advanced. Photographs often draw attention to the bulging when it may have gone unnoticed otherwise.

Causes, Incidence and Risk Factors

Common causes

• Hyperthyroidism
• Graves' disease
• Histiocytosis
• Rhabdomyosarcoma
• Neuroblastoma
• Leukemia
• Orbital cellulitis (or periorbital cellulitis)
• Iatrogenic hyperthyroidism
• hemangioma

Note: There may be other causes bulging eyes. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as exact location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for bulging eyes, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Prevention

The underlying cause of this symptom needs to be treated by a health care provider. Because bulging eyes can cause a person to be self-conscious, emotional support is important.

Signs & Tests

Medical history questions may include:

• Are both eyes affected?
• When did you first notice bulging eyes?
• Is it getting worse?
• What other symptoms are present?

Diagnostic tests: A slit-lamp examination may be ordered. Blood testing for thyroid disease may be performed.

Intervention: Artificial tears may be given to lubricate the eye(s). Other treatments will depend on the cause.

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