Bulging Eyes: What Surgery is Suitable for Me?

Question

I have been tested, no thyroid. My eyelids are thin, i guess it is my eyeball that is bulging out. I have huge and protuding eyes, it seems like it is getting worse and worse as i age. I am currently 18, no medical condition. I've always been called a frog or owl. Will anyone please tell me if any surgery can help correct this?

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

Your history suggests that you have a condition called bilateral proptosis. Although your history is helpful, it's impossible to narrow the diagnosis without pictures or a physical examination. This condition is often associated with medical illnesses and congenital anomalies.It's important that you be evaluated by a plastic surgeon with experience in this area. An evaluation will require blood tests, CTscans and possibly MRI studies.Treatment of these abnormalities usually requires surgery on the underlying boney skeleton. When patients have hyperthyroidism orbital decompression surgery may be necessary. In the case of congenital anomalies, it may be necessary to perform a midface advancement.Unfortunately, this type of problem usually can't be fixed with eyelid surgery alone. For this reason, it's important to consult a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in this area. This surgeon should be able to formulate a treatment plan that addresses your anatomic findings and achieves your aesthetic goals.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Dear Puff

	As Dr. Taban points out, it is still possible to have thyroid eye disease but have perfectly normal thyroid function.  You may just be describing a normal anatomic variation.  In that case, I would be very careful what solutions you seek.  If your regular medical doctor agrees that you have buggy eyes, consider seeing an oculoplastic surgeon.  However, I would be profoundly careful regarding attempting to do something surgical for this issue unless you have a true functional problem.

	Stay safe out there.

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

You likely have shallow orbits, causing "buldging eyes", although you can still have thyroid eye disease without your blood thyroid levels being effected.  You should consult with an ocuolpastic surgeon.  Orbital decompression is a possible option for you.

	Dr Taban

Houtan Chaboki, MD · Answer

Hi puff,

	Thank you for your question. Bulging eyes (proptosis) are most commonly associated with a thyroid condition, such as Graves disease. Patients may initially have normal blood tests for thyroid but have the eyes affected by the thyroid condition. Having shallow orbit bone around the eyes may also contribute to bulging appearance. Lastly, allergies can contribute to eye bags. Only after a comprehensive evaluation can a surgeon help determine appropriate options for you. Best of luck.

	Dr. Chaboki

Christopher I. Zoumalan, MD, FACS · Answer

Proptosis is a medical term for bulging eyes, Puff.  Various things can cause proptosis such as being born with shallow orbits (congenital) or acquired such as thyroid eye disease.  I agree with the rest of the doctors that you need to have an appropriate evaluation by an Oculoplastic Surgeon since thyroid eye disease can result in proptosis even with normal thyroid function tests.  Hope this helps and good luck.

Bulging Eyes: What Surgery is Suitable for Me?

Answers (10)

Answer: Bulging Eyes Treatment Options

Answer: Bulging Eyes Treatment Options

Answer: Proptosis--Bulging eyes

Answer: Proptosis--Bulging eyes

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Bulging Eyes: What Surgery is Suitable for Me?

Answers (10)

Answer: Bulging Eyes Treatment Options

Answer: Bulging Eyes Treatment Options

Answer: Proptosis--Bulging eyes

Answer: Proptosis--Bulging eyes

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.