Bulging eyes can be a sign that something is wrong with your health, but they could also be just the shape of an individual’s eye. If the eyes bulge more than before, this is cause for concern. Bulging eyeballs protrude out of their normal position within the skull. Exophthalmos, proptosis and other medical terms are used to describe this condition. The white part of the eye, above the iris, is usually not visible unless the individual lifts the eyelid. The white area between the eyelids and the iris is a sign that the eyes bulge abnormally. The doctor of the patient will determine a treatment plan based on the cause of eye-bulging. This is a medical crisis that needs immediate treatment if only one eye bulges.
Learn about the most common causes of bulging eyelids.
Hyperthyroidism
Bulging eyes are usually caused by hyperthyroidism. This condition is caused by an overactive thyroid gland located in the front neck. The thyroid gland produces several hormones which regulate metabolism and mood. Hyperthyroidism is a metabolic imbalance caused by the thyroid producing too many hormones. Hyperthyroidism has multiple symptoms. Unintentional weight gain is the most common symptom of hyperthyroidism. This occurs when metabolism speeds up. Hyperthyroidism can also cause an irregular heartbeat or rapid pulse. Hyperthyroidism can be treated with radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medication to reduce thyroid hormone production. Patients may also have surgery to remove part or the entire thyroid gland in order to stop hormone overproduction. When properly diagnosed and treated the condition is manageable, but ignoring it could lead to life-threatening complications. It can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to those of many other conditions.
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