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Eyes - bulging

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Graves' disease
Graves' disease
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism
Periorbital cellulitis
Periorbital cellulitis

Alternative Names    Return to top

Protruding eyes; Exophthalmos; Proptosis; Bulging eyes

Definition    Return to top

Bulging eyes is the abnormal protrusion (bulging out) of one or both eyeballs.

Considerations    Return to top

Prominent eyes may be a family trait. However, prominent eyes are not the same as bulging eyes. Bulging eyes should receive immediate attention.

Bulging of a single eye, especially in a child, is a very serious sign and should be evaluated immediately.

Hyperthyroidism (particularly Graves disease) is the most common cause of bulging eyes. With this condition, the eyes don't blink very often and seem to have a staring quality.

Generally, there should be no visible white between the top of the iris (the colored part of the eye) and the upper eyelid. Seeing white in this area is usually a good indication that there is abnormal eye bulging.

Because eye changes develop slowly, family members may not notice it until the condition is relatively advanced. Photographs often draw attention to the bulging when it may have gone unnoticed previously.

Causes    Return to top

Home Care    Return to top

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.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

What to Expect at Your Office Visit    Return to top

The health care provider will take your medical history and do a physical examination.

Medical history questions may include the following:

A slit-lamp examination may be done. Blood testing for thyroid disease may be done.

Artificial tears may be given to lubricate the eye. Other treatments will depend on the cause.

References    Return to top

Davies TF, Larsen PR. Thyrotoxicosis. In: Kronenberg HM, Melmed, S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008: chap 11.

Olitsky SE, Hug D, SMith LP. Orbital abnormalities. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th Ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 632.

Robinett DA, Kahn, JH. The physical examination of the eye. Emerg Med Clin N Am. 2008;26:1-16.

Update Date: 2/1/2009

Updated by: Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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