Key Takeaways
- Proptosis (or exophthalmos) refers to the abnormal forward bulging of one or both eyes.
- It can be caused by conditions such as thyroid eye disease, orbital infections, tumours, or trauma.
- Symptoms may include eye pain, double vision, swelling, or reduced eye movement.
- Prompt medical evaluation is important to identify the cause and protect vision.
- Management may involve medications, surgery, or treatment of the underlying condition.
Noticing that your eyes seem to stick out more than usual can be worrying. Sometimes, friends or family may point it out before you even realise it yourself. This bulging of the eyes, medically called proptosis, is not just a cosmetic change. It can be linked to different health issues, ranging from thyroid conditions to infections or growths around the eye.
While it can feel unsettling to see your appearance change, what’s more important is understanding why it’s happening and when to seek help.
What Is Proptosis?
Proptosis is the medical term for protrusion or bulging of the eyeball. This change can affect one or both eyes, and may develop gradually or suddenly. While some cases are mild, others may signal a serious underlying problem that requires attention.
Common Causes of Proptosis
Several different conditions can lead to bulging eyes, including:
- Thyroid Eye Disease (Graves’ Orbitopathy): An autoimmune condition where thyroid dysfunction affects the tissues and muscles around the eyes, causing swelling and protrusion.
- Orbital Infections: Infections within the orbit (eye socket) can cause swelling, pain, and proptosis. This often needs urgent treatment.
- Tumours: Growths within the orbit, whether benign or malignant, can push the eye forward.
- Trauma or Injury: Fractures or bleeding in the eye socket following an accident may result in sudden bulging of the eye.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
Patients with proptosis may notice:
- Forward displacement or bulging of the eye
- Redness or swelling around the eye
- Eye pain or pressure
- Double vision or difficulty moving the eye
- Decreased or blurry vision (in severe cases)
Diagnosis
An ophthalmologist will usually carry out:
- Clinical examination to measure eye protrusion and check eye movement
- Imaging tests (CT or MRI scans) to evaluate the orbit and surrounding structures
- Blood tests if thyroid disease is suspected
Treatment and Management
The approach depends on the cause:
- Thyroid-related cases may involve managing thyroid hormone levels and medications to reduce inflammation.
- Infections often require prompt antibiotics and sometimes surgical drainage.
- Tumours may need surgical removal or other treatments depending on the type.
- Trauma-related cases may be managed surgically if there is bleeding or fracture.
Living With Proptosis
Some causes of proptosis are chronic and may need long-term monitoring. Supportive measures such as lubricating eye drops, protective glasses, and lifestyle changes (for thyroid conditions, smoking cessation is recommended) can help reduce discomfort and protect eye health.
When to See an Eye Specialist
If you notice bulging eyes, pain, or sudden changes in vision, it’s important to seek medical care promptly. Early evaluation helps prevent complications and ensures that any underlying condition is addressed in a timely manner.
Key Takeaways Recap
- Proptosis is the forward bulging of one or both eyes.
- Causes range from thyroid disease to infections, tumours, or trauma.
- Symptoms may include pain, swelling, double vision, or reduced movement.
- Diagnosis often requires eye examination and imaging.
- Treatment depends on the cause and may involve medication, surgery, or monitoring.
If you’re concerned about changes in the appearance of your eyes or experiencing symptoms of proptosis, consider scheduling a consultation at London Eye & Retina for a detailed eye assessment.
