Guide To The Causes Of Bulging Eyes

Bulging eyes are sometimes a sign of serious medical concerns, though they may also just be the way an individual's eyes are shaped. It is a cause for concern if the eyes are bulging more than they have before. Bulging eyes protrude from their usual position in the skull. Some of the medical terms used for this condition include exophthalmos and proptosis. For the most part, the white portion of the eye above the iris shouldn't be visible unless an individual lifts their eyelid. Seeing the white between the eyelid and iris can be a sign the eyes are bulging abnormally. The patient's doctor will create a treatment plan depending on what is causing the eye-bulging. If only one eye bulges suddenly, this is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical treatment.

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Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is the most common condition that leads to bulging eyes. This condition occurs when the thyroid gland, located at the front of the neck, is overactive. It produces multiple hormones that help with regulating metabolism and mood. When the thyroid produces too many of these hormones, it causes metabolic imbalances referred to as hyperthyroidism. There are multiple symptoms of hyperthyroidism. The most drastic tends to be unintentional weight loss, which occurs because the body's metabolism speeds up. It's also common for hyperthyroidism patients to experience an irregular or rapid heartbeat. There are several treatments available for hyperthyroidism, including radioactive iodine and anti-thyroid medications to slow thyroid hormone production. Some patients also undergo surgery that removes part or all of the thyroid gland to help stop the overproduction of hormones. The condition is very manageable when it's properly diagnosed and treated, though ignoring it can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications. Getting a diagnosis is also sometimes difficult since the symptoms can mimic a variety of other health issues.

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Graves' Disease

Bulging eyes due to Graves' disease, the leading cause of hyperthyroidism, are called Graves' ophthalmopathy. The protrusion happens because the muscles and tissues behind the eyes swell. The eye problems sometimes improve without needing treatment, but they can be a sign of undiagnosed Graves' disease. In addition to protruding eyeballs, the most common symptoms of this condition are redness and swelling of the eyes, dry eyes, excessive discomfort or tearing in one or both eyes, blurry or double vision, reduced movement of the eyes, inflammation, and light sensitivity. Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder, which means it occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. This particular disease causes the immune system to attack the thyroid, which leads the thyroid gland to create an overproduction of hormones. Graves' disease can lead to issues with fertility, the menstrual cycle, the muscles, the bones, and the heart if untreated.

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