Friday, February, 10, 2012

Eyes - bulging

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Protruding eyes; Exophthalmos; Proptosis; Bulging eyes


Home Care

The underlying cause of this symptom needs to be treated by a health care provider. Because bulging eyes can cause a person to be self-conscious, emotional support is important.


Call your health care provider if
  • You have bulging eyes and the cause has not yet been diagnosed.
  • Bulging eyes are accompanied by other symptoms.

What to expect at your health care provider's office

The health care provider will take your medical history and do a physical examination.

Medical history questions may include the following:

  • Are both eyes bulging?
  • When did you first notice bulging eyes?
  • Is it getting worse?
  • What other symptoms do you have?

A slit-lamp examination may be done. Blood testing for thyroid disease may be done.

Artificial tears may be given to lubricate the eye. Other treatments will depend on the cause.


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)