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What is proptosis & how does it affect my appearance?
Bulging eyes, also called exophthalmos or proptosis, is when one or both of your eyes protrude from their natural position. Thyroid issues, such as Graves’ disease or hyperthyroidism, are the most common causes of the condition.
- Will Blair
- Glaucoma. In this eye disorder, increased pressure in the eyes damages the nerves that connect the eyes to the brain. Usually, this doesn't have symptoms, but in severe cases, the pressure can cause the eyes to bulge.
- Tumor Behind the Eye. A tumor can form behind the eye and force it forward. It can be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign). Other signs of a tumor behind the eye include
- Symptoms of Bulging Eyes. Symptoms of bulging eyes include: A dry, gritty feeling in your eyes. Pressure or pain in your eyes. Puffy eyelids. Red or inflamed eyes.
- Bulging Eye Diagnosis. To figure out what's causing your bulging eyes, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. An exam of your eye could include
May 30, 2024 · Exophthalmos, also known as proptosis or bulging eye, is a condition characterized by the protrusion of one or both eyes from their normal position within the eye sockets. It's important to note that exophthalmos itself is not a specific condition but rather a sign of an underlying disorder.
Key Points. Bulging or protruding of one or both eyes is called proptosis or exophthalmos. Exophthalmos is usually used when describing bulging eyes caused by Graves disease, a disorder causing overactivity of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). Bulging eyes are not the same as prominent eyes.
- Christopher J. Brady
- Overview
- What is proptosis?
- Are there similar eye conditions?
- What are the causes of proptosis?
- How is proptosis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for proptosis?
- Who can develop proptosis?
- What’s the outlook for people with proptosis?
- The takeaway
The protruding of one or both eyes is known as proptosis or exophthalmos. Contacting a doctor can help you get the proper medical attention for your cause.
Proptosis, or exophthalmos, is the medical term for a protruding eyeball. It’s referred to as bilateral proptosis if it affects both your eyes or unilateral proptosis if it only affects one eye.
A wide range of medical conditions can cause proptosis, but it’s most commonly caused by thyroid eye disease (TED). Infections, tumors, and injuries are some of the other potential causes.
Keep reading to learn more about proptosis including its typical symptoms, causes, and treatment.
Proptosis is a bulging or protruding of one or both of your eyeballs. Generally, a diagnosis of proptosis involves an eye protrusion of more than 2 millimeters. TED is the most common cause.
About 1 in 3 people with proptosis in one eye have excessively high thyroid hormone levels. About 9 in 10 cases of bilateral proptosis are linked to hormonal abnormalities.
More than 90 percent of people with thyroid-related eye disease experience eyelid retraction, where the upper or lower eyelid is drawn back. In severe cases, eyelid retraction may not allow you to fully close your eye, which can cause eye dryness. Dry eyes put you at risk of developing ulcers or infections that can cause vision loss.
If left untreated, TED can cause optic nerve compression that can lead to permanent vision loss.
Proptosis is also called exophthalmos, which comes from the Greek words that mean “bulging eyes.”
Buphthalmos is a condition with a similar name that comes from the Greek words for “Ox-eyed.” Buphthalmos is when an eye is larger than normal at or shortly after birth. It’s most commonly caused by congenital glaucoma.
Thyroid eye disease (TED)
The autoimmune disorder TED is the most common cause of proptosis in one or both eyes. About 90 percent of people with TED have an overactive thyroid caused by the autoimmune condition Graves’ disease. About 1 in 4 people with Graves’ disease develop TED.
Cancer
Proptosis in one eye can be an early symptom of cancer. It can be a symptom of primary cancers that start growing around your eyes, such as melanoma or carcinoma, or it can be a symptom of metastasized cancers that spread from somewhere else. Breast cancer is the most common metastasized cancer that causes proptosis. A 2018 case report described a 40-year-old woman who developed proptosis and headaches as the first symptoms of a type of blood cancer called multiple myeloma.
Trauma
A wide range of traumatic injuries can cause proptosis. For example, an older 2013 case report described a 23-year-old football player who developed proptosis after his helmet dislodged and hit him in the right eye. Trauma to your eye can lead to a retrobulbar hematoma, which is congestion of blood deep in the tissue between your eye and skull. This buildup of blood can cause your eye to protrude forward. Fracturing your skull around your eye can also potentially lead to proptosis due to air escaping your sinus and entering the area around your eye.
A prompt diagnosis and treatment of proptosis are needed to minimize your risk of permanent vision loss.
An eye doctor can diagnosis proptosis by examining your eye. They can use a special tool called an exophthalmometer to measure your level of eyeball protrusion.
Your doctor will also review your medical history and ask you questions about your symptoms. They’ll likely order a variety of tests to find the underlying cause of your proptosis. Tests may include:
•blood tests
•thyroid function and auto-antibody tests
•renal function and C-reactive protein tests
General treatment options
General treatments to help manage symptoms include: •steroid injections to reduce inflammation •eye drops to reduce inflammation and dryness •quitting smoking •wearing sunglasses to help with light sensitivity •avoiding dust and other irritants
TED treatment
If your proptosis is caused by TED, you’ll need to treat the underlying thyroid disease. Treatment options include: •medications such as teprotumumab (Tepezza) or methimazole •radioactive iodine therapy •thyroid surgery
Surgery
In severe cases of proptosis, orbital decompression surgery and extraocular muscle repair may be recommended to protect your vision. These surgeries increase vision in up to 82 percent of people. Surgery may also be required if you have a tumor growing around your eye.
The most common cause of proptosis is TED, and it’s more common in people who:
•smoke
•are older adults
•are female
•experience extreme physical or psychological stress
•take radioactive iodine for treatment
Early diagnosis of proptosis is important to minimize your chances of developing complications.
In many cases, supportive treatment may be all that’s needed. About 66 percent of mild cases resolve within 6 months. About 95 percent of people with thyroid-related proptosis heal without permanent vision loss, but about 5 percent of people develop permanent double vision or visual impairment.
Proptosis is the medical term for bulging eyes. TED is the most common cause of proptosis. Other potential causes include cancer, eye injury, or infections.
It’s important to contact a doctor if you have proptosis. In severe cases, proptosis can lead to permanent vision loss. Receiving medical attention as soon as possible gives you the best possible chance of treating the underlying cause and minimize damage to your eye.
- Daniel Yetman
Jun 26, 2023 · Exophthalmos (also known as proptosis) is the protrusion of one eye or both anteriorly out of the orbit. It derives from Greek, meaning 'bulging eyes.' It occurs due to an increase in orbital contents in the regular anatomy of the bony orbit. Depending on the underlying cause, exophthalmos may be accompanied by systemic symptoms.
Exophthalmos, also known as proptosis, is a medical term for a bulging or protruding eyeball or eyeballs. It's most often caused by thyroid eye disease.
