Proptosis

Proptosis is a condition in which one or both eyes are pushed out. When this occurs, one or both eyes appear to be projecting out of the eye socket. Some people are born with prominent eyes. This can be a family trait. If a child develops a prominent eye, however, it is important to have the child urgently evaluated.

Proptosis can be caused by thyroid abnormalities, inflammation of the tissue behind the eye, or a tumor. All of these conditions should be diagnosed and treated quickly. Imaging such as an MRI or CT scan is usually performed to help diagnose the cause of the proptosis.