What causes bulging eyes?

Proptosis, or the forward displacement and protrusion of the eyeball out of the orbit, may be caused by various factors: 1. Myopia: In patients with high myopia, an increased axial length of the eye can lead to outward protrusion of the eyeball. Progressive worsening of myopia gradually elongates the eye, resulting in a bulging appearance. 2. Endocrine disorders: For example, hyperthyroidism. Excessive secretion of thyroid hormones can cause edema in the extraocular muscles surrounding the eyeball, leading to its forward protrusion. 3. Orbital tumors: As tumors within the orbit grow, they may push the eyeball outward, causing proptosis. Orbital tumors are among the most common causes of unilateral proptosis. 4. Trauma: External injuries to the eye, such as blunt impact or contusions, may result in orbital hemorrhage or orbital emphysema, thereby causing the eyeball to protrude. 5. Ocular inflammation: Inflammatory conditions such as orbital cellulitis or scleritis can also lead to proptosis.