14 Common Causes of Exophthalmos

Exophthalmos is a medical term also known as proptosis. It describes a condition where the eyes bulge or protrude from the eye socket. People dealing with the disorder may notice that the whites of the eyes are visible above the iris when the eyelids relax. Exophthalmos may cause a host of complications with the eye in the affected individual.

In some cases, the patient may experience a pinching of the optic nerve, which transmits signals from the eye to the brain. As a result of the compression, the affected individual’s eyesight may start to deteriorate, resulting in blurry vision or a loss of peripheral vision. This condition requires immediate treatment to avoid permanent damage to the eye.

In less severe cases of the disorder, the patient notices the eyes start to become red and swollen, and they may begin to rub their eyes frequently throughout the day. The patient will require the use of eye drops, such as artificial tears, to keep the eyeball lubricated and prevent the onset of dry eye syndrome. Here are eight common causes of exophthalmos.

1. Graves’ Disease

One of the most common causes of bulging eye disorder is the onset of Graves’ disease. This autoimmune disorder causes dysfunction of the thyroid, the small butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck. Graves’ disease is the leading cause of hyperthyroidism. It creates an overproduction of hormones, known as thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin. People who are suffering from Graves’ disease experience these hormones attaching to healthy thyroid cells, resulting in an overactive thyroid. 

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for Graves’ disease, and the affected individual may require treatment from their physician to manage the effects of the condition. People dealing with the onset of Graves’ disease will have to learn how to live with the impact of the situation throughout their life. In most cases, patients can manage to live a healthy life through the use of HRT, hormone replacement therapy,

If you find you start to develop symptoms of elevated body temperature, and you begin to experience issues such as sleep disorders, as well as a rapid weight loss, you could be experiencing the effects of hyperthyroidism linked to Graves’ disease. Consult with your doctor for a diagnosis.