What causes protruding eyes? 9 possible conditions
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... Read more
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 without lifting your eyelid. Your iris is the colored part of your eye. 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.
Causes of bulging eyes
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 in their 20s and 30s are at highest risk of the condition, reports the Office on Women’s Health.
Other potential causes of bulging eyes include:
- neuroblastoma, a type of cancer that can affect your sympathetic nervous system
- leukemia, a type of cancer that can affect your white blood cells
- rhabdomyosarcoma, a type of cancer that can develop in your soft tissues
- lymphoma, most often non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- orbital cellulitis, an infection that can affect the tissues around your eye
- hemangioma, an abnormal collection of blood vessels
- bleeding behind your eye caused by injury
- metastatic tumors from a cancer elsewhere in the body
- connective tissue diseases such as sarcoidosis
Diagnosing the cause of bulging eyes
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:
- vision test
- dilated eye exam
- slit-lamp exam, during which your doctor will use a low-power microscope and high-intensity light to examine the structures at the front of your eye
- imaging tests, such as CT or MRI scans
- blood tests
Treatment for bulging eyes
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
- corticosteroids to ease inflammation
- eye surgery
- surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation to treat cancerous tumors
If you’re diagnosed with Graves’ disease or another thyroid condition, your doctor may recommend:
- medications, such as beta-blockers or antithyroid medications
- radioactive iodine or surgery to destroy or remove your thyroid gland
- replacement thyroid hormone if your thyroid gland has been destroyed or removed
If you have eye problems associated with hyperthyroidism, smoking can make them worse. Quitting may help to reduce your symptoms. Your doctor may recommend a combination of prescription drugs, nicotine replacement therapy, or counseling to help you quit smoking.
Bulging eyes may leave you feeling self-consciousness. Emotional support is important to your well-being. Depending on the cause, you may be able to correct the problem with treatment.
- Colby, K. (2016). Eyes, bulging (proptosis). Retrieved from https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/eye-disorders/symptoms-of-eye-disorders/eyes,-bulging
- Graves’ disease fact sheet: Who gets Graves’ disease? (2012, July 16). Retrieved from https://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/graves-disease.html
- Nippoldt, T. B. (2016, August 13). Hypothyroidism symptoms: Can hypothyroidism cause eye problems? Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothyroidism/expert-answers/hypothyroidism-symptoms/faq-20058058
See a list of possible causes in order from the most common to the least.
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