Exophthalmos is the term used to describe an eye condition in which people are left with bulging eyes. For various reasons, the eyes may protrude from their sockets. This is what gives the impression of protruding eyes. What is the definition of exophthalmos or bulging eyes? What causes this condition? What is the treatment for bulging eyes? Our IRIS specialists give you all the keys to a better understanding of this eye condition.
What is exophthalmos?
Exophthalmos is an eye condition that gives the impression of bulging eyes. It affects both eyes—and rarely just one. It is also referred to as a protrusion of the eyeball and, more commonly, bulging eyes. A person with exophthalmos may appear to have larger eyes than average. They may also find it more difficult to close their eyelids.
It's not the eyes that get bigger. The eyes are actually bulging due to an increase in the size of the muscles or structures inside the eye.
What's more, it's important to know that the protrusion of a single eyeball is more worrying than the protrusion of both eyes at the same time.
Bulging eyes are not always noticeable. Exophthalmos can sometimes be discovered during a regular eye exam. It can also result from the presence of a mass in the orbit.
In any case, this eye disease is not without consequences. It can lead to:
- Eye pain
- Impaired vision
- Complications jeopardizing visual acuity
That's why it's important to make an appointment for an eye exam as soon as possible.
What causes exophthalmos?
There are many possible causes of bulging eyes. That said, certain causes are more common in adults and children.
Most common cause of bulging eyes in adults
Graves-Basedow disease is often the cause of puffy eyes in adults. This autoimmune disease causes swelling of the tissues behind and around the eye. It affects the thyroid gland, causing an overproduction of thyroid hormones.
Most common cause of bulging eyes in children
Infections are often the cause of exophthalmos in children. Eye infections, such as infectious sinusitis, can cause swelling of the eye tissues, making the eyes stand out.
Other possible causes of eyeball protrusion
There are other, rarer causes. These include:
- Orbital tumours can exert pressure on the eyeballs, causing them to protrude
- Inflammatory diseases such as orbital pseudotumor or orbital inflammatory disease can cause exophthalmos
- Injuries to the eye area that damage the tissues around the eyes occasionally lead to exophthalmos
In all cases, it's important to consult eye specialists to determine the cause of exophthalmos. This underlying cause will determine the treatment to be followed.
What are the symptoms of bulging eyes?
Depending on the cause of ocular protrusion, symptoms vary:
- Dry eyes with difficulty closing the eyelids
- Redness of the eyes and eyelids
- Watery eyes
- Double vision
- Reduced vision
What is the treatment for bulging eyes?
Treatment depends primarily on the cause, with either medication or surgery.
For example, in the event of infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. If the patient suffers from severe dry eyes, lubricating drops will be prescribed to protect the cornea. However, if this proves insufficient, surgery may be required to reduce the protrusion of the eyeballs.
As you can see, treatment is a case-by-case process. That's why it's important to consult an eye doctor to determine the underlying causes and the most appropriate treatment.
