I am a 25 year old male and I believe I may have exophthalmos. My eyes bulge especially from my side profile view. In addition I think I may have ptosis. I also have lagothalamos (I sleep with my eyes half open). I have got my thyroid levels checked at the doctor but everything was normal. My question if there is any treatment options available for me? Thanks!
September 11, 2013
Answer: Exophthalmos?
Based on your limited photos, it would appear that you do not have true exophthalmos but an appearance of bulging eyes because of midface hypoplasia. You have what we refer to as a negative vector on your side view indicating a lack of skeletal support under the globe. This leads to an inferior displacement of your lower eyelid creating the bulging look as the white portion of your eyes become exposed. Since the lower lid is displaced inferiorly, the upper lid may not coapt with the lower lid during sleep leading to lagophthalmos and corneal exposure. Treacher-Collins syndrome may exhibit more severe symptoms.
Treatment would depend on whether you have functional problems, simply want a different look, or a combination of these. Skeletal support with an implant or midface advancement would be a good start since it is the bony foundation that is the primary issue.
Robin T.W. Yuan, M.D.
Helpful
September 11, 2013
Answer: Exophthalmos?
Based on your limited photos, it would appear that you do not have true exophthalmos but an appearance of bulging eyes because of midface hypoplasia. You have what we refer to as a negative vector on your side view indicating a lack of skeletal support under the globe. This leads to an inferior displacement of your lower eyelid creating the bulging look as the white portion of your eyes become exposed. Since the lower lid is displaced inferiorly, the upper lid may not coapt with the lower lid during sleep leading to lagophthalmos and corneal exposure. Treacher-Collins syndrome may exhibit more severe symptoms.
Treatment would depend on whether you have functional problems, simply want a different look, or a combination of these. Skeletal support with an implant or midface advancement would be a good start since it is the bony foundation that is the primary issue.
Robin T.W. Yuan, M.D.
Helpful