- October 23, 2016
- Posted by: emobile
- Category: Trending Topic
Emobileclinic Trending Topic
Exophthalmos is an eye disorder characterized with the protrusion of the eyeball in the eye socket which can affect one or both eyes. It may result in corneal dryness and the inflammation of the membrane lining of the eyes.
Causes
The main cause of exophthalmos is a thyroid condition that influences the swelling of the eyeballs known as Graves’ disease. This condition also makes the eyes become bigger and increases the cells of the eyes as well. The followings are other causes of this disorder:
Malignant tumor
Cyst filled with mucus
Clotted blood
Injury to the eyes
Sinus infection
Symptoms
Dryness of the eyes
Irritating eyes
Pain in the eyes
Becoming highly sensitive to light
Tears running through the eyes without crying
Double vision or blurred vision
Weakened eyes muscle
Inwards turning of the eyes
Irregular heartbeats
Sleeping disorder
Los of weight
Diagnosis
The diagnosis will be made immediately the doctor noticed a protruding eye. Blood test will be ordered to check if the thyroid is functioning well.
The degree of the protrusion will be ordered using an exophthalmometer
Imaging scans such as a CT scan or an MRI to evaluate the orbit or eye socket. The scan can detect a tumor or any abnormality in or around the eyes.
Treatment
In case of thyroid disorder, the underlying cause of it must be treated with a view to bringing thyroid hormone levels back to normal.
Surgical procedure may be needed to correct the problem with the connection between the arteries and veins in the eyes.
Surgical removal of the bony floors of the eye sockets to enable excess material to move down into the extra space.
Using of prescribed eye drops to relieve dry eyes.
Using eyeshades may be helpful for people with oversensitivity to light.
Pain relief drugs may be prescribed to minimize pain and inflammation.
Surgical removal of malignant tumor may be needed in severe cases. This may be followed with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
