Exophthalmus
Exophthalmus
Exophthalmus (pronounced: ex-off-thal-mus), also known as proptosis or bulging eyes, is a medical condition where the eyeball(s) protrude from the eye socket due to increased volume of the orbital contents.
Etymology
The term "Exophthalmus" is derived from the Greek words "exo" meaning "out" and "ophthalmos" meaning "eye".
Definition
Exophthalmus is characterized by an abnormal protrusion or displacement of the eye. It is often a symptom of various medical conditions, most commonly Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Exophthalmus may include: noticeable bulging of one or both eyes, dryness, irritation, excessive tearing, difficulty closing the eye, and vision disturbances.
Causes
Exophthalmus can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:
- Graves' disease: This is the most common cause of Exophthalmus. In Graves' disease, the body's immune system attacks the tissues around the eye, causing inflammation and swelling that push the eye forward.
- Orbital cellulitis: This is a severe infection of the tissues surrounding the eye, which can cause the eye to protrude.
- Orbital tumors: Tumors in the eye socket can push the eye forward, causing Exophthalmus.
- Trauma: Injury to the eye or eye socket can cause swelling and protrusion of the eye.
Treatment
Treatment for Exophthalmus depends on the underlying cause. It may include medication to reduce inflammation and swelling, surgery to remove a tumor or to create more space in the eye socket, or radiation therapy for Graves' disease.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Exophthalmus
- Wikipedia's article - Exophthalmus
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