Eye bulging and eyelid swelling: not only the thyroid

Eye bulging is not only linked to the thyroid. Dr. Mahmoud El Samkary explains that there are two other main causes:

1. Inflammation or tumors of the lacrimal gland.
2. Tumors in the back of the orbit that push the eye forward.

Eyelid swelling and lacrimal gland inflammation

Some patients are diagnosed with eyelid allergy because of severe swelling of one or both eyelids. They take anti-allergy drops and tablets; the swelling improves a little, then returns. The real cause may be autoimmune inflammation of the lacrimal gland, the gland that produces tears.

Diagnosis

• A CT scan or MRI to show enlargement of the lacrimal gland or a tumor.
• A biopsy of the lacrimal gland when needed.

Treatment

• Lacrimal gland inflammation: treated with cortisone as recommended by the treating doctor, and treatment may last about 3 months so the inflammation does not return.
• A lacrimal gland or orbital tumor: removed surgically through a cosmetic incision that does not show. Surgery may be urgent if the tumor presses on the optic nerve, to protect vision.

If eyelid swelling does not improve with allergy treatment, do not wait.