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Alternative names Return to top
Protruding eyes; Exophthalmos; Proptosis; Bulging eyesDefinition Return to top
Bulging eyes involve the abnormal protrusion of one or both eyeballs.Considerations Return to top
Prominent eyes may be a family characteristic. However, prominent eyes are not the same as bulging eyes. Bulging eyes should receive prompt attention.
Bulging of a single eye, especially in a child, is a very significant sign and should be evaluated immediately.
Hyperthyroidism (particularly Graves' disease) is probably 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 the eye bulging is abnormal.
Because eye changes develop slowly, family members may not notice until the condition is relatively advanced. Photographs often draw attention to the bulging when it may have gone unnoticed previously.
Common 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.Call your health care provider if Return to top
What to expect at your health care provider's office Return to top
The health care provider will obtain your medical history and will perform a physical examination.
Medical history questions may include the following:
A slit-lamp examination may be ordered. Blood testing for thyroid disease may be performed.
Artificial tears may be given to lubricate the eye(s). Other treatments will depend on the cause.
Update Date: 5/4/2003 Updated by: Bridget Martell, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |