Exophthalmos (synonyms: Glubschauugen; Hervortreten der Augen; Protrusio bulbi; ICD-10-GM H05.2: Exophthalmus, H06.2: Exophthalmus bei Funktionsstörung der Schilddrüse) refers to a pathological protrusion of the eyeball (bulbus of the eye) from the orbit. At the same time, a widened palpebral fissure is present.
In most cases, endocrine orbitopathy (hormonal disease of the orbital (eye) tissues) is present in Graves’ disease (form of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland) caused by an autoimmune disease) or other autoimmune thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland due to an autoimmune disease).
Exophthalmos can be a symptom of many diseases (see under “Differential diagnoses”).
Course and prognosis: The course depends on the cause. Regardless, immediate emergency management is required.Prognosis depends on the nature and severity of the underlying disease.In exophthalmos based on endocrine orbitopathy, the course is difficult to assess in individual cases and may range from spontaneous remission to complete vision loss despite maximal therapy (conservative and surgical).
