Exophthalmos is a medical condition characterized by the protrusion of the eyes from their sockets, which hinders the normal functioning of the eyelids.
The bulging of one or both eyes is triggered by an inflammation of the soft tissues residing within the eye socket.
Exophthalmos is often linked to Graves’ disease, a condition that also results in thyrotoxicosis, or hyperactivity of the thyroid gland. Other potential causes could be an eye tumor, an aneurysm – a condition where an artery swells abnormally, or inflammation occurring behind the eye.
Exophthalmos can potentially limit the mobility of the eye, leading to double vision. In extreme scenarios, heightened pressure within the eye socket might limit blood flow to the optic nerve, which can result in blindness. The condition can also prevent the eyelids from closing properly, and the vision might get blurred due to the drying of the cornea – the clear, dome-shaped surface that constitutes the front of the eyeball.
In instances where exophthalmos is caused by thyroid disease, treating the underlying thyroid disorder might alleviate the eye condition. However, it’s important to note that exophthalmos might still persist even after the thyroid function has been restored to normal.
Through early intervention, normal vision is typically regained. In some instances, surgery might be necessary to alleviate the pressure exerted on the eyeball and optic nerve.
Unusual bulging or projection of the eyeballs, which can be either a hereditary trait without significant implications or associated with an overactive thyroid gland. In cases of thyroid overactivity, patients may experience symptoms like nervousness, a rapid pulse, and weight loss, a condition known as hyperthyroidism or Graves’ disease. Surgical removal of a portion of the thyroid gland, located in the front of the neck, can resolve hyperthyroidism but may not always alleviate the prominence of the eyeballs. In some instances, the protrusion of a single eyeball could be indicative of a tumor or abscess behind the eye.