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Definition Exophthalmos is a very common problem of eyes. Exophthalmos is the bulging of one or both eyes. A portion of the eye may be exposed in some cases. We know that orbit of eyes is made of bone. And therefore will not yield to increased pressure within eyes orbit. Only forward displacement of the eyeball (globe) will allow more room if tissue behind the eye is increasing. It is usually something that affects the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in the neck and controls metabolism i.e. the rate at which your body uses energy. Causes The most common cause of exophthalmos is Graves' disease it is a overactivity of the thyroid gland. Thyroid problems are one of the most common causes of exophthalmos. The protrusion is caused by enlargement of the small eye-moving muscles behind the eye, due to an increase of antibodies (immunoglobulins) and the accumulation of white cells (lymphocytes) and fluid. A bacterial infection in the eye socket (orbit) is called orbital cellulitis which is also cause the eye to bulge. It is a serious problem of eyes so if not treated quickly and properly, this infection can spread from the eye socket to the brain. It may cause permanent loss of sight and can be life threatening. Symptoms The symptoms include: Reducing vision Shortness of breath The clear membrane (conjunctiva) covering the white part of the eyes and lining the inside of the eyelids can swell. Double vision Blurred vision People with exophthalmos are able to look upwards without moving their eyebrows. In some people, the white of the eye can be seen above the iris at all times. Weakness Diminished sex drive Increased hair loss Abnormal breast enlargement in men Treatment All people with protruding eyes do not necessarily have exophthalmos. The treatment depends on the cause. If the problem is an abnormal connection between arteries and veins, surgery may be needed to close off certain blood vessels. Thyroid disease that is severe enough to cause exophthalmos may need to be treated. But it is unclear if treating the thyroid condition actually improves bulging of the eyes. Treatment of exophthalmos includes eyeshades and eye drops if symptoms are mild, or corticosteroids. If the condition is more severe then the radiation therapy or surgery is the best treatment for exophthalmos. Local care to the front of the eye to keep it moist is necessary if the eyelid cannot close. Your doctor will prescribe either methimazole (Tapazole) or propylthiouracil (PTU) pills. These drugs act to prevent the thyroid from manufacturing the thyroid hormone.
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