Exophthalmos is defined as?

Exophthalmos is defined as?

• A. Abnormal protrusion of the eyes that does not go away with treatment
• B. Diminished eye movement
• C. Double vision only during sleep
• D. Eye redness only

Answer: (A)

Exophthalmos is forward displacement of the eyeball, an abnormal protrusion beyond the normal orbit. This outward bulge is the defining feature and is classically seen in Graves’ ophthalmopathy, reflecting increased orbital contents from inflammation and remodeling. The idea that this protrusion may persist despite treatment helps distinguish it from temporary or non-protrusive eye symptoms, highlighting that the outward position can be chronic in some conditions. The other options describe different eye problems—reduced eye movement involves motility limits, double vision is not specific to protrusion and isn’t defined by sleeping, and redness alone does not capture the abnormal forward position of the eye.

Exophthalmos is forward displacement of the eyeball, an abnormal protrusion beyond the normal orbit. This outward bulge is the defining feature and is classically seen in Graves’ ophthalmopathy, reflecting increased orbital contents from inflammation and remodeling. The idea that this protrusion may persist despite treatment helps distinguish it from temporary or non-protrusive eye symptoms, highlighting that the outward position can be chronic in some conditions. The other options describe different eye problems—reduced eye movement involves motility limits, double vision is not specific to protrusion and isn’t defined by sleeping, and redness alone does not capture the abnormal forward position of the eye.