Causes of Exophthalmos, Proptosis Bulging Eyes, Eyes Protruding

Exophthalmos is the abnormal protrusion or bulging out of one or both of your eyeballs.  Proptosis means a forward displacement of an eye or eyes.  These terms are often used interchangeably to describe the symptom of bulging eyes or eyes that are protruding.

Because eye protrusion can develop slowly, the healthy rule of thumb is that no white should be visible between your upper eyelid and iris (the colored part).  You can check this for yourself in a mirror.

Many have prominent eyes, which is a normal trait and not the same as exophthalmos.

Proptosis is the result of inflammation, cell proliferation and edema in surrounding eye tissue. And hyperthyroidism, specifically Graves’ disease, is the frequent cause for bulging eyes.  Other causes for protruding eyes include:

Exophthalmos often causes eye irritation and redness.

Eyes that bulge can cause your cornea to become too dry, that may result in infected corneal ulcers. Prolonged proptosis can impair your vision because your optic nerve is affected.

Treatment for eyes that protrude depends on its cause.  Quick symptom relief is via eye lubrication or closing them for a short period.

If the “whites of your eyes” are beyond reasonable limits, then see your health care person right away.

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