Exophthalmos’ is a Greek word which means bulging or protruding eyeballs. Exophthalmos is not a condition in itself, but it can be caused by a number of different conditions which usually affect the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in the neck and controls the body’s metabolism (the rate at which the body uses energy).
Grave’s disease
Grave's disease is the most common cause of exophthalmos. It is an autoimmune disease, which means that it causes the immune system to attack some of the body’s healthy cells and tissues. This often causes the thyroid gland to become overactive (hyperthyroidism).
Proptosis
Exophthalmos usually affects both eyes. However, sometimes only one eye protrudes, which is known as proptosis. Proptosis refers to the protrusion of any organ in the body.
Thyroid gland
The thyroid gland in the throat makes hormones to help control growth and metabolism (the process that turns the food we eat into energy).
Immune system
The immune system is the body's defence system, which helps protect it from disease, bacteria and viruses.
Tissues
Body tissue is made up of groups of cells that perform a specific job, such as protecting the body against infection, producing movement or storing fat.
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