EXOPHTHALMOS

General Information

DEFINITION--A protrusion or bulging of one or both eyes.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Eyes.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes; all ages.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Bulging eyes, which creates a staring or frightened look.
• Double vision.
• Pain (sometimes).
• Infrequent blinking (sometimes).

CAUSES--

Swelling of tissue behind the eye. Swelling may be caused by:

• Overactive thyroid gland (most common cause).
• Infection or tumor in the supportive tissues behind the eye.
• Aneurysm, blood clot or hemorrhage in the veins or arteries behind the eye.
• Injury to the eye or face.
• Congenital deformity of the head.

RISK INCREASES WITH--Unknown.

HOW TO PREVENT--Obtain prompt medical treatment for the underlying disorder.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Biopsy (See Glossary) of tissue behind the eyes.
• Blood tests for thyroid function.
• Radioactive studies for thyroid function.
• X-rays of the head.
• CT scan (See Glossary).

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

Doctor's treatment. > Surgery to:

Remove a tumor, blood clot or aneurysm. Return the eyes to their normal position, if necessary, after the underlying cause is corrected. Correct congenital abnormalities.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--Injury to the eye and impaired vision.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Spontaneous recovery in most cases after the underlying cause is treated. If not, surgery can often correct any remaining protrusion.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• If the disorder is caused by injury, see a doctor immediately.
• If your vision is affected, don't drive or engage in dangerous activity.
• If eyelids don't blink properly, wear goggles to protect them from wind or dust.

MEDICATION--

• If the lids don't blink properly, you should use non-prescription, lubricating eye drops.
• Your doctor may prescribe drugs to treat the underlying cause, such as: Antithyroid drugs for hyperthyroidism. Antibiotics to fight infection. Cortisone drugs to reduce inflammation.

ACTIVITY--No restrictions.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of exophthalmos.
• Symptoms don't improve within 5 days after treatment begins.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.