Occurs when one or both eyes protrude from the eye sockets due to space taking lesions such as swelling of the muscles, fat, and tissue behind the eye. This causes more of the cornea to be exposed to air, making it more difficult to keep eyes moist and lubricated. In extreme cases, bulging eyes can create a large amount of pressure on the optic nerve, potentially leading to vision loss.
Bulging eyes are usually a symptom of another condition. Symptoms of Bulging eyes may include:
• Appearance of protruding eyes
• Excessive dryness in eyes/Watering
• Visible whiteness between the top of the iris and the eyelid
• Eye pain
• Eye redness
• Reduced vision
INCLUDE:
• Medical Exam
• Complete Medical history
Additional tests: These may include:
• Thyroid function test:
• Slit-lamp exam (uses a low-power microscope along with a high-intensity light to examine the structures at the front of the eye)
• Blood tests (to check for thyroid diseases)
Imaging tests: including
a) Computed tomography (CT)
b) Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Basic idea is to reduce exposure related optic nerve compression
Any treatment for bulging eyes will depend entirely on the cause, but may include:
• Eye drops: in all cases, bulging eyes will be exposed to more air making it difficult to keep them lubricated. To combat excessive dryness, artificial tears and eye drops can be used for moisture and lubrication.
• Sunglasses
• Corticosteroids to ease inflammation
• Surgical procedures to repair damaged arteries and veins
• Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation to treat tumors
