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People also ask
When should I see a doctor if my eyes are bulging?
How do I know if my eye is bulging?
Are bulging eyes a sign of a serious medical condition?
When should you see a doctor if you have bulging?
How can a doctor help with bulging eyes?
What does it mean if your eyes bulge outwards?
- 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
Mar 18, 2015 · If your eyes begin to bulge, either both or just one, see a doctor. Your doctor will want a full medical history and will conduct a physical exam. Further tests will be carried out to determine the underlying cause of the exophthalmos, including a vision test, a CT scan or MRI and blood tests.
- Overview
- Causes of bulging eyes
- Diagnosing the cause of bulging eyes
- Treatment for bulging eyes
Overview
Eyes that bulge, or protrude out of their normal position, could be a sign of a serious medical condition. Proptosis and exophthalmos are the medical terms used to describe bulging eyes.
While some people are born with eyes that protrude more than normal, others develop them as a result of an underlying medical condition.
In most cases, the white part of your eye shouldn’t be visible above your iris (colored part of the eye) without lifting your eyelid.
If the white of your eye shows between your iris and your upper eyelid, it may be a sign of abnormal bulging. Your recommended treatment plan will depend on the underlying cause of your eye bulging.
Sudden bulging of only one eye is an emergency. Seek medical attention immediately. It may be a sign of a serious medical problem.
The most common cause of bulging eyes is hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid gland. Your thyroid gland is located in the front of your neck. It releases several hormones that help control your metabolism.
Hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid releases too many of these hormones.
An autoimmune disorder called Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism and bulging eyes. In this condition, tissues around your eye become inflamed. This creates the bulging effect.
Anyone can develop Graves’ disease. Women between the ages of 30 and 60 are most often affected, the Office on Women’s Health reports.
Other potential causes of bulging eyes include:
•neuroblastoma, a type of cancer that can affect your sympathetic nervous system
If you develop eye bulging in one or both eyes, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. Be prepared to share your complete medical history with them, including a list of any prescription or over-the-counter medications and supplements that you take.
They’ll also want to know the specifics of your symptoms, such as:
•When did you first notice that your eyes were bulging?
•Have they gotten worse since that time?
•Do you have any other symptoms, especially headaches or visual changes?
After conducting a physical exam, your doctor may order one or more tests. For example, these may include:
Your recommended treatment plan will depend on the underlying cause of your bulging eyes. For example, depending on your diagnosis, your doctor may prescribe one or more of the following:
•eye drops
•antibiotics
•corticosteroids to ease inflammation
•eye surgery
•surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation to treat cancerous tumors
- Ann Pietrangelo
Oct 22, 2024 · When Should You See a Doctor? You should see your eye doctor immediately if one or both of your eyes protrude. While the condition might not be cause for concern, you don’t want to leave exophthalmos untreated.
- 4 min
People with warning signs should see a doctor as soon as possible, as should those with bulging that has developed over a few days or less. People with no warning signs should see a doctor when possible, but a delay of a week or so is unlikely to be harmful.
- Christopher J. Brady
May 30, 2024 · If you notice bulging eyes, contact your healthcare provider promptly, especially if the bulging is sudden, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms. Additionally, if you have a known thyroid disorder like Graves' disease or are experiencing eye discomfort or changes in vision, seeking medical attention is crucial.
Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history to determine the potential causes of your bulging eyes. They’ll also perform an eye exam that may include: Using a slit lamp to magnify your eye’s surface and structures. Assessing eye and eyelid movement. Checking for redness, soreness and irritation.
