Station 10 — Proptosis Examination
🎯 Candidate Task
Examine this patient for the presence of proptosis and assess the important associated ocular findings. At the end of the examination, present your findings systematically to the examiner.
⚡ Model Station Answer
- I would state whether proptosis is present or absent, and whether it is unilateral, bilateral, symmetrical or asymmetrical.
- I would report the degree of globe protrusion, using Hertel exophthalmometry if available.
- I would describe associated lid, conjunctival and corneal findings, including lid retraction, chemosis and exposure changes.
- I would report ocular movements, diplopia and evidence of optic-nerve dysfunction such as reduced vision, impaired colour vision or a relative afferent pupillary defect.
- I would complete the examination with fundus assessment and summarize the significant positive and negative findings.
🔎 How to Perform / Approach
- Introduce, consent and position: perform hand hygiene, explain the examination and seat the patient upright at eye level.
- Inspect from the front: compare both eyes for anterior displacement, symmetry, lid retraction, scleral show, redness, swelling, chemosis and obvious exposure.
- Inspect from above: stand behind the seated patient and look downward over the forehead to compare the forward projection of both globes.
- Measure proptosis: if a Hertel exophthalmometer is available, place it correctly against the lateral orbital rims and record each eye’s corneal-apex reading in millimetres together with the base measurement.
- Assess ocular function: check visual acuity, pupils including RAPD where appropriate, colour vision and extraocular movements; ask about diplopia during gaze testing.
- Look for associated ocular signs: assess lid closure, corneal exposure, conjunctiva and anterior segment; examine the optic disc/fundus where appropriate.
- Present findings: state side, symmetry, measurement and relevant associated ocular abnormalities in a concise sequence.
🖼️ Visual Learning
Systematic Examination of Proptosis

🎥 Practical Demonstration
A short clinical demonstration showing proptosis and associated ocular-motility and lid findings in a patient with thyroid eye disease.
📝 Important Viva Questions
Answer: Proptosis is abnormal anterior displacement of the globe from the orbit.
Answer: A Hertel exophthalmometer. It measures the anterior projection of the corneal apex relative to the lateral orbital rim.
Answer: Abnormalities may indicate optic-nerve compromise, which is an important sight-threatening complication of orbital disease.
Answer: Look for lid retraction or incomplete closure, chemosis, exposure keratopathy, restricted ocular movements, diplopia and optic-nerve dysfunction.
Answer: Pseudoproptosis is an apparent prominence of the eye without true anterior displacement of the globe, for example with marked lid retraction or contralateral enophthalmos.
