Bulging Eyes- What Are My Options?

asked 10 months ago by simply_jai in Atlanta, GA
Latest answer by Mark J. Lucarelli, MD
Question viewed 373 times
Tags: African American, bulging, deep, options

I have fairly big, bulging eyes. My doctor thought it was because of a thyroid problem but after running test, it turns out that my thyroid is normal. Considering that I don't have a thyroid problem, what can I do to make my eyes appear "deep set" and not as bulgy?

6 answers to Bulging Eyes- What Are My Options?

The situation is more complex than just testing the thyroid.

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid simulating the thyroid gland. For whatever reason it also causes inflammation of the orbits and a prominent eye is a sign. It is possible to have Grave's disease with a perfectly normal thyroid function. This is called euthyroid Graves' disease. For this reason, it is highly appropriate for you to be assessed by an oculoplastic surgeon to get to the bottom of what is causing your issues and... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD
Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

There is help for bulging eyes

Some patients with rather severe bulging of the eyes have thyroid eye disease. This can happen even when blood tests for hyperthyroidism are normal. About 6% of the time, patients with thyroid eye disease (Graves orbitopathy) never do show any endocrine abnormalities. These patients are said to have "euthyroid" Graves disease. An experienced oculoplastic surgeon can help you understand the full range of treatment options. In many... more

Mark J. Lucarelli, MD
Madison Oculoplastic Surgeon

www.UWHealth.org

Bulging eyes

I would agree with the other surgeons on this forum. Euthyroid Graves Disease occurs in 5-10% of patients with this problem. Your oculoplastic surgeon or primary care doctor may want to draw labs for thyroid autoantibodies, which are often present in patients with Graves disease, even if the thyroid levels are normal. Best of luck, Gary Lelli

Gary Lelli, Jr., MD
New York Oculoplastic Surgeon

Prominent eyes

Even though your thyroid tests may be normal, your prominent eyes (proptosis) could still be related to thyroid disease, aka "Euthyroid eye disease". It may also be related to your general eye, orbit, facial anatomy. If it is stable, then surgery could be considered. The first best option would be orbital decompression, to set the eye back. Then eyelid surgery may be needed. Consult an oculoplatic surgeon (through ASOPRS). Dr Taban more

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS
Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

Bulging eyes.

Yes, IMHO, your eyes are bulging quite a bit and you should have a thorough medical and eye workup with an opyhalmologist.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Bulging Eyes

Simply_jai, You need to see an oculoplastic surgeon for an evaluation. I recommend finding a member of the American Society of Ophthlamic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) on the ASOPRS website. Sometimes we see bulging eyes due to thyroid eye disease, as your doctor mentioned. Sometimes thyroid eye disease can manifest before abnormalities in your thyroid hormone levels can be detected. Of course, there are other conditions that can cause the... more

Michael McCracken, MD
Boulder Oculoplastic Surgeon

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