‘Whoa, your eyes are so big and pretty!’ – the most common compliment showered upon people with captivating eyes.
But guess what?
There’s a fine difference between big eyes and Bulging Eyes – an eye-related problem that can be a sign of various medical conditions.
Let’s learn more about this.
What Does Bulging Eyes Mean?
Bulging eyes, also known as proptosis or exophthalmos, is a condition where the eyeball protrudes from the eye socket, making it appear to bulge. In general, we will be able to see only the black portion of the eyeball in between the eyelids of an eye but in cases of exophthalmos, the bulging white portion can also be seen around the black part of the eyeball.
If the white portion is visible in between the eyelid and the black part of the eye, it’s considered to be bulging eyes. It can affect one or both eyes.
Please note that some people are born with bulging or protruding eyes as a normal feature.
However, developing bulging eyes can be a sign of a medical condition. It’s not a standalone issue, but a sign or symptom of another health condition.
What is the cause of bulging eyes?
The most common cause is thyroid eye disease -an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation and damage to the tissues around the eyes, causing them to swell and give a bulging appearance.
Another common issue is Graves disease, which affects the thyroid gland and makes it hyperactive. Excessive production of thyroid hormone causes hyperthyroidism.
Some other causes include:
- Injury behind the eyes
- Vascular disorders
- Leukaemia
- Infection in the eyes
- Nerve cancer
- Glaucoma
What are the symptoms?
Here are a few symptoms of apart from visible bulges:
- Redness or inflammation of the eyes
- Excessive dryness or gritty eyes
- Difficulty in blinking
- Pain in the movement of the eyes
- Blurred or double vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Puffy eyelids
How can I reduce eye bulging?
- Eye drops
- Medications in case it is caused by infection, swelling, and more.
- Surgery to correct bulging that does not go away with other treatments
What to do if you have bulging eyes?
Things to do:
- Wear sunglasses
- Keep your head high by using the pillow
- Use glasses over contact lenses to give your eyes rest
Things to avoid doing:
- Avoid consumption of alcohol
- Don’t spend more time in AC or heated room
Bottom Line
In conclusion, it is important to understand the difference between naturally big eyes and bulging eyes. Recognize the symptoms and take medical help, if needed. You can visit PVRI – the best eye hospital in Hyderabad. The team of specialized doctors can help you take care of your eyes and avoid any serious complications.
By staying proactive and informed, you can safeguard and maintain good eye health.