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Eyes - bulging

Definition:

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

Alternative Names:

Protruding eyes; Exophthalmos; Proptosis; Bulging eyes

Considerations:

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 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 it until the condition is relatively advanced. Photographs often draw attention to the bulging when it may have gone unnoticed previously.

Common Causes:

Glaucoma
Graves disease
Hemangioma
Histiocytosis
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism caused by medications for other conditions
Leukemia
Neuroblastoma
Orbital cellulitis or periorbital cellulitis
Rhabdomyosarcoma

Graves' disease

Hyperthyroidism

Periorbital cellulitis

Review Date: 1/18/2007
Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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