EXOPHTHALMOS Meaning and
Definition
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Exophthalmos is a medical term that refers to the abnormal protrusion or bulging of one or both eyeballs from their normal position within the eye socket, known as the orbit. The condition is typically characterized by the displacement of the eyeballs forward, causing them to appear enlarged and more prominent.
Exophthalmos can be caused by various underlying conditions, most commonly Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland. In Graves' disease, the body's immune system wrongly attacks the thyroid gland, leading to excessive production of thyroid hormones. The increased levels of these hormones can cause inflammation of the tissues behind the eyes, leading to the abnormal bulging of the eyeballs.
Other potential causes of exophthalmos include eye tumors, infections, inflammation of the eye muscles, certain genetic disorders, and trauma to the eye or orbit. The condition can also occur as a side effect of certain medications, such as corticosteroids.
Exophthalmos can result in a range of symptoms, including dry and irritated eyes, excessive tearing, difficulty fully closing the eyes, double vision, and decreased visual acuity. In severe cases, it may also lead to corneal ulcers and damage to the optic nerve, which can cause vision loss if left untreated.
Treatment for exophthalmos aims to address the underlying cause of the condition. This may involve managing the autoimmune response in Graves' disease, surgically removing tumors or repairing trauma-induced damage, and providing symptomatic relief through artificial tears and protective eyewear.
Common Misspellings for EXOPHTHALMOS
- wxophthalmos
- sxophthalmos
- dxophthalmos
- rxophthalmos
- 4xophthalmos
- 3xophthalmos
- ezophthalmos
- ecophthalmos
- edophthalmos
- esophthalmos
- exiphthalmos
- exkphthalmos
- exlphthalmos
- expphthalmos
- ex0phthalmos
- ex9phthalmos
- exoohthalmos
- exolhthalmos
- exo-hthalmos
Etymology of EXOPHTHALMOS
The word "exophthalmos" has its roots in Greek. It is derived from the combination of two Greek words – "exo", meaning "outside", and "ophthalmos", meaning "eye". Hence, "exophthalmos" refers to a condition characterized by the abnormal protrusion or bulging of the eyeball out of its socket. It is commonly associated with medical conditions such as thyroid eye disease or Graves' disease.
Similar spelling words for EXOPHTHALMOS
