Exophthalmus

/ˌɛksɒfˈθælməs/ noun

Definition

An abnormal protrusion or bulging of the eyeball from its socket, usually caused by increased pressure or swelling behind the eye.

Etymology

From Greek 'exo-' (outside) and 'ophthalmos' (eye), with the Latin masculine singular ending '-us'. This is an older or more formal medical term for what's now more commonly called exophthalma or exophthalmic condition.

Kelly Says

Exophthalmus can happen not just from thyroid disease but from anything that takes up space behind the eye—a tumor, an infection, bleeding—and the eyeball literally gets shoved forward as the socket fills up with invading tissue.

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