In the case of thyroid eye disease, the immune system attacks the muscles and fatty tissues around and behind the eye, causing them to become inflamed (swollen). It's particularly common in women aged 30-50 and people who smoke.Īn autoimmune condition is where the immune system (the body's defence against illness and infection) mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. This is an autoimmune condition that affects around one in every three people with an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) caused by Graves' disease. One of the main causes of exophthalmos in the UK is thyroid eye disease, also known as Graves' ophthalmopathy. You may also have a blood test to assess how well your thyroid gland is working and you may be referred to an endocrinologist (a specialist in conditions affecting glands and hormones) if you're found to have abnormal thyroid hormone levels. If the ophthalmologist wants to examine your eye socket in more detail, a computerised tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan may be carried out. They may also use an instrument called an exophthalmometer to measure how far your eyeball protrudes. If you're referred to an ophthalmologist, they'll check how well you're able to move your eyes. If necessary, your GP or optometrist can refer you to an ophthalmologist (a specialist in diagnosing and treating eye conditions) for further assessment.įind an optometrist/optician Diagnosing exophthalmos Treatment is often more effective if it's started as soon as possible. It's important to identify the underlying cause so appropriate treatment can be given. See your GP or an optometrist (optician) if you notice that one or both of your eyes are protruding. However, permanent visual impairment is rare if the condition is identified and treated promptly. Some people with exophthalmos are left with long-term vision problems, such as double vision. There's a chance your eyes will continue to protrude if corrective surgery isn't carried out. Many of the symptoms of thyroid eye disease tend to improve over time, although this can take a number of years. There's also a small risk of the optic nerve (which transmits signals from the eye to the brain) becoming compressed if you have exophthalmos, which may affect your sight permanently if it isn't treated quickly.
It's most often caused by thyroid eye disease. Exophthalmos, also known as proptosis, is a medical term for a bulging or protruding eyeball or eyeballs.
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