Proptosis

Proptosis is a medical condition where the eye bulges or protrudes from the eye socket. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, including thyroid eye disease, tumors, infections, and inflammation. Proptosis can affect one or both eyes.

Causes

Proptosis can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

• Thyroid eye disease: This is the most common cause of proptosis in adults. It occurs when the immune system attacks the muscles and other tissues around the eyes, causing inflammation and swelling.

• Tumors: Tumors in the eye socket or brain can push the eye forward, causing proptosis.

• Infections: Infections in the eye socket can cause swelling and inflammation, leading to proptosis.

• Inflammation: Conditions that cause inflammation in the eye socket, such as sarcoidosis or vasculitis, can lead to proptosis.

Symptoms

The main symptom of proptosis is a noticeable bulging of one or both eyes. Other symptoms can include:

• Eye pain
• Double vision
• Vision loss
• Dry eyes
• Eye redness

Diagnosis

Proptosis is usually diagnosed through a physical examination. The doctor may measure the protrusion of the eye using a special instrument called an exophthalmometer. Other tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, may be used to determine the underlying cause of the proptosis.

Treatment

The treatment for proptosis depends on the underlying cause. Treatment options can include:

• Medication: If the proptosis is caused by an infection or inflammation, medication may be used to treat the underlying condition.

• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove a tumor or to relieve pressure on the eye.

• Radiotherapy: If the proptosis is caused by thyroid eye disease, radiotherapy may be used to reduce inflammation and swelling.

See also

• Exophthalmos
• Orbital cellulitis
• Graves' disease

Proptosis Resources
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