Bulging eyes (exophthalmos)

You may have bulging eyes if:

• your eyes seem to be sticking out more than usual
• you can see less of your upper eye lids (your eyes might look like they’re open very wide)
• you can see more of the whites of your eyes

Any other symptoms you have will depend on what's causing your eyes to stick out, but could include:

• pain or problems closing your eyes or moving them around
• dry eyes or feeling like there’s dirt or grit in them
• your eyes are uncomfortable in, or sensitive to, bright light
• blurred or double vision

A common cause of bulging eyes is an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism).

This is where the thyroid gland (a small gland in your neck), produces too much of the thyroid hormones.

Less common causes of bulging eyes include:

• an infection or injury around or behind your eyes
• bleeding behind the eyes or problems with blood vessels behind the eyes
• tumours, including those caused by neuroblastoma and some soft tissue sarcomas

• you have a bulging eye or bulging eyes

Treatment for bulging eyes depends on the cause.

You may need:

• eyedrops, gels or ointments
• medicine prescribed by a doctor (if the bulging is caused by an infection, swelling, or a problem with your thyroid gland)
• surgery to correct any bulging that does not go away after other treatments

If the cause is not clear, a GP may refer you to a specialist and you may need further tests.

If you have bulging eyes, there are things you can do to help ease your symptoms.

• use pillows to keep your head raised up when lying down

• wear sunglasses if your eyes are sensitive in bright light

• if you wear contact lenses, take them out and wear glasses to rest your eyes

• do not smoke or drink too much alcohol

• do not spend too long in smoky, dry or dusty places

• do not spend too long in air conditioned or heated rooms

If you have bulging eyes, you may notice they seem to stick out more than usual and you can see more of the whites of your eyes.

A common cause of bulging eyes is a problem with the thyroid gland, but it can also be caused by other things such as an infection.

Treatment for bulging eyes depends on the cause. It might include eyedrops and medicine to treat any problems with your thyroid gland.

If you have bulging eyes, there are some things you can do to help the problem, such as raising your head while lying down and not smoking.