Eye bulging (proptosis): what it could mean
Is one or both of your eyes appearing to bulge forward? Learn about the potential causes of proptosis and why an expert review is necessary.
Start with a consultation to understand your condition and options.
What is eye bulging?
Eye bulging, or proptosis (also called protruding eyes), is when one or both eyes appear to be pushed forward. This can happen due to inflammation, swelling, or growths in the orbit (the bony eye socket).
Common causes of proptosis
- Thyroid Eye Disease (TED): The most common cause, where the body’s immune system causes the tissues behind the eye to swell.
- Orbital Inflammation: Inflammation of the fat or muscles within the eye socket.
- Tumours or Growths: Benign or malignant growths within the orbit.
- Injury or Bleeding: Recent trauma to the face or head.
When to worry about eye bulging
Proptosis is always a sign that requires specialist evaluation, as it indicates an issue within the confined space of the eye socket.
Seek a consultation if you experience:
- New or worsening bulging of one or both eyes.
- Double vision or pain when moving the eyes.
- Sudden vision loss or blurriness.
- Significant redness or swelling of the eye socket tissues.
Dr Faz is a specialist in orbital and oculoplastic surgery, with the expertise to diagnose the underlying cause of eye bulging and provide advanced surgical and medical management.
When to seek specialist review
Any unexplained bulging of the eye or new double vision should be investigated by a specialist without delay to rule out serious orbital disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Expert care for Eye bulging (proptosis): what it could mean
Consult Dr Faz — Consultant Ophthalmologist & Oculoplastic Surgeon, approved in Malaysia for functional & reconstructive eye procedures (LCP Chapter 3)