If your eyes bulge more than is typical, it could indicate a serious health condition like hyperthyroidism. It’s important to share your symptoms and medical history with your doctor. Depending on the diagnosis, they may suggest treatment, such as medication or surgery.
Eyes that bulge or protrude out of their natural position could be a sign of a serious medical condition. “Proptosis” and “exophthalmos” are the medical terms used to describe bulging eyes.
While some people are born with eyes that protrude more than is typical, other people develop bulging eyes as a result of an underlying health condition.
In most cases, the white part of your eye shouldn’t be visible above your iris (colored part of the eye) without lifting your eyelid.
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 considered an emergency. You should 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. The thyroid gland is located in the front of your neck and releases several hormones that help control your metabolism.
Hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid releases too many of these hormones.
An autoimmune disorder called Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism and bulging eyes. In this condition, muscles behind the eye become inflamed, creating the bulging effect.
Anyone can develop Graves’ disease. It most frequently affects people between the ages of
Other less common causes of bulging eyes include:
- neuroblastoma, a type of cancer that can affect your sympathetic nervous system
- rhabdomyosarcoma, a type of cancer that can develop in your soft tissues
- lymphoma, most often non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- orbital cellulitis, an infection that can affect the tissues around your eye
- hemangioma, an abnormal collection of blood vessels
- an injury that causes bleeding behind your eye
- a cancer elsewhere in your body that leads to metastatic tumors
- autoimmune disorders, like sarcoidosis
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. You may want to include a list of any prescription or over-the-counter medications and supplements that you take.
Your doctor will also want to know the specifics of your symptoms, such as:
- When did you first notice that your eyes were bulging?
- Have your symptoms become worse since that time?
- Do you have any other symptoms, especially headaches or visual changes?
After conducting a physical exam, your doctor may order one or more tests. These may include:
- a vision test
- a dilated eye exam
- a slit lamp exam, during which your doctor will use a low-power microscope and high intensity light to examine the structures at the front of your eye
- imaging tests, such as CT or MRI scans
- blood tests
Your recommended treatment plan will depend on the underlying cause of your bulging eyes. For example, depending on your diagnosis, your doctor may prescribe one or more of the following:
- eye drops
- antibiotics
- corticosteroids to ease inflammation
- eye surgery
- surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation to treat cancerous tumors
If you’re diagnosed with Graves’ disease or another thyroid condition, your doctor may recommend:
- medications, such as beta-blockers or antithyroid medications
- radioactive iodine or surgery to destroy or remove your thyroid gland
- replacement thyroid hormone if your thyroid gland has been destroyed or removed
If you have eye problems associated with hyperthyroidism, smoking can make them worse. Quitting may help to reduce your symptoms. Your doctor may recommend a combination of prescription drugs, nicotine replacement therapy, or counseling to help you quit smoking.
Bulging eyes may leave you feeling self-conscious. Emotional support is important to your well-being. Depending on the cause, you may be able to correct the problem with treatment.
If you notice that your eyes are protruding from their natural position, it could be a sign of a serious medical condition. It’s important to speak with your doctor. Potential causes could include hyperthyroidism, neuroblastoma, or cancer.
Treatment will depend on the cause. This could include eye drops, antibiotics, or corticosteroids. Certain conditions may require surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.
Graves’ disease or another thyroid condition may require medication, radioactive iodine, surgery, or replacement thyroid hormone.
