What makes your eyes bulge

Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap McNab AA. Proptosis at different ages. Taylor and Hoyt's Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. Olson J. Medical ophthalmology. Davidson's Principles and Practice of Medicine. Reviewed by: Linda J. Editorial team. Eyes - bulging Protruding eyes; Exophthalmos; Proptosis; Bulging eyes. Considerations Prominent eyes may be a family trait. Home Care The cause needs to be treated by a provider.

When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if: You have bulging eyes and the cause has not yet been diagnosed. Bulging eyes are accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain or fever. The provider will ask about your medical history and do a physical exam. 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. 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. In this condition, tissues around your eye become inflamed. This creates the bulging effect. 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. After conducting a physical exam, your doctor may order one or more tests. For example, these may include:. Your recommended treatment plan will depend on the underlying cause of your bulging eyes.

Sometimes doctors, usually ophthalmologists, measure the degree of bulging with an instrument exophthalmometry. Magnetic resonance imaging MRI or computed tomography CT is often done when bulging affects only one eye. Blood tests to measure how well the thyroid is working are done when Graves disease is suspected. When bulging leads to severe dry eyes Dry Eyes A number of other symptoms and problems can affect the eyes, including changes in the appearance of the eyes, color blindness, dry eyes, glare and halos, impaired depth perception, itchy eyes Sometimes if lubrication is not sufficient, surgery to provide better coverage of the eye surface or to reduce bulging may be needed.

Other treatments depend on the cause of bulging. For example, antibiotics are given for infections. Bulging due to Graves disease is not affected by treatment of the thyroid condition but may lessen over time. Corticosteroids for example, prednisone may help control swelling due to Graves disease or orbital pseudotumor. Tumors must be surgically removed.

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Key Points. Symptoms of Eye Disorders. Test your knowledge. Patients with bulging eyes have eyes that protrude further from their sockets than normal, causing a wide-eyed appearance. With bulging eyes, an individual may seem to be staring or may look surprised or frightened.

Which of the following is the cause of most cases of bulging eyes in adults? More Content. Click here for the Professional Version.