What is exophthalmos?

Exophthalmos is characterized by the protrusion or bulging of the eyeballs, typically due to conditions such as Graves' disease, which is an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid. This condition results in increased tissue volume behind the eyes, leading to the noticeable outward displacement.

Understanding exophthalmos is essential in a clinical context, as it can indicate underlying health issues, particularly those related to thyroid dysfunction. It is different from simple swelling around the eye, redness of the eyelids, or cloudiness of the cornea, which describe other conditions not specifically related to the eyeball's position in the orbit. This makes the characteristic of bulging eyeballs the defining feature of exophthalmos.