Welcome to Inside Ophthalmology! Today, we’re talking about proptosis, a condition where the eye bulges out of its socket. It’s a noticeable sign that can point to something mild or a serious issue needing quick action.

Proptosis happens when something in the orbit—like swelling, a tumor, or blood—pushes the eye forward. The orbit’s bony walls don’t have much give, so extra pressure makes the eye pop out. Common causes include thyroid eye disease (often linked to Graves’ disease), infections like orbital cellulitis, tumors, or trauma. In kids, it might be from cancers like rhabdomyosarcoma.