A bulging eye or eyes is called proptosis, and is caused by something taking up space inside of the eye socket and pushing the eye forward. This condition can be diagnosed by ultrasound, CT scan or MRI, though if possible, a biopsy of a piece of the actual tissue that is pushing the eyeball forward is typically obtained. Treatment depends on the cause of the proptosis; however, management of any other concerns, such as corneal exposure, is usually included.
Graves' Disease
Graves' disease is a form of hyperthyroidism, or the excess production of thyroid hormones. A bulging of the eyes, also known as Graves' ophthalmopathy, is a common hyperthyroidism symptom. In Graves' ophthalmopathy, the muscles and other tissues around the eye swell and push the eyeball forward. The eyelids may not be able to fully cover the eye, so the cornea may become exposed. Graves' ophthalmopathy can be treated with the management of the hyperthyroidism, but many patients require surgery on the eye socket to create more area for the enlarged tissues to fit in.
Tumor
A tumor growing behind the eyeball can cause a bulging eye. These tumors can be malignant, or cancerous like a sarcoma, or benign like a hemangioma, which is a tumor composed of blood vessels. Treatment for these types of tumors can include radiation or chemotherapy, depending on the type of tumor.
Orbital Cellulitis
Infection along with inflammation of the tissues of the orbit is called orbital cellulitis; this can cause eye bulging. The infecting agent often comes from the sinuses or from the oral cavity, or occasionally through an injury to the eyelid itself. Orbital cellulitis can be life-threatening: the infection can spread to other areas, such as the brain. Treatment involves urgent inpatient antibiotic therapy.
Hemorrhage
An injury can cause bleeding into the eye socket, which can then cause eye bulging. This process can happen quickly so that the eyeball is pushed forward rapidly, injuring the optic nerve. In these cases, the proptosis has to be relieved quickly to preserve vision; an emergency room doctor or eye doctor has to relieve the constriction of the eye socket immediately.
Inflammation
Some inflammatory diseases can affect the eye socket and lead to eye bulging. One of these conditions is inflammatory orbital pseudotumor which does not involve cancer cells and is not a tumor. Inflammation in the orbit can be treated with corticosteroids or immunosuppressant medications.
