A protruding or bulging eye, also known as proptosis, may occur gradually, and a person may not recognize changes until the protrusion is significant. Eye protrusion may result in an inability to fully close the eyelids, causing damage to the eyes' surface.
Graves' Disease
Thyroid disease may cause a condition called Graves' disease, which typically causes eye protrusion. This occurs as a result of swelling in muscles and surrounding tissue of the eyes, pushing the eye forward, according to MayoClinic.com. Treatment for eye protrusion from Graves' disease may include oral medications that may help reduce the inflammation that pushes the eye forward. In more severe cases that do not respond to medication, a doctor may recommend surgery to make room for the eye in the socket. He may also recommend radiation treatment to destroy tissues behind the eye in an effort to increase space for the eye.
Orbital Cellulitis
The eye's orbit is made up of tissue, muscle and surrounding bone that holds the eye in position and protects it from damage. If an infection takes hold in the tissues around the eye, called orbital cellulitis, the tissue may swell and push the eye forward. Eye protrusion from orbital cellulitis may not improve until treatment of the infection. Other symptoms of orbital cellulitis include a fever, swelling of eyelids and pain with eye movement, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Orbital cellulitis is a serious condition and requires immediate evaluation to prevent permanent damage.
Tumor
A tumor in the tissue behind the eye may cause the eye to protrude from of the eye socket. Eye protrusion is unlikely to be one of the first symptoms of a tumor. Vision changes may occur initially, since the tumor will begin by pushing on the back of the eye. In some cases, particularly if the doctor does not see physical signs in an examination during the early stages, the eye doctor may prescribe new glasses to correct vision changes. However, as the tumor progresses, if eye protrusion becomes more prominent and vision deteriorates, the doctor will order an MRI. Once diagnosed, the doctor may recommend different types of treatment depending on the extent of the growth. The Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology states that a doctor will most likely discuss surgical removal of the tumor, chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
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