An approach to proptosis: A review

Proptosis is a vision-threatening condition, where abnormal protrusion of one or both eyeballs develop outwards from the orbit. Clinically, it is defined as a protrusion of the eyeball beyond 21 mm from the orbital rim or an asymmetry of more than 2 mm between both eyes. It can be classified based on onset as acute, sub-acute and chronic proptosis. The causes of proptosis can be broadly classified into infectious, inflammatory, autoimmune, endocrine, vascular, traumatic, and neoplastic entities. Quantitative measurement of proptosis is done by exophthalmometers such as Hertel’s, Luedde’s, Naugle and Gormaz exophthalmometers. Proptosis is evaluated using multiple investigations involving laboratory, ocular, radiological and histopathological studies. This article provides insight into various types, etiologies, and approaches toward the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of proptosis.