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

Protruding eyes; Exophthalmos; Proptosis; Bulging eyes

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 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 there is abnormal eye bulging.

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.

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

Images

Grave's disease

AHyperthyroidism

Periorbital cellulitis

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Eyes Treatment

Review Date: 02/17/2011
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)