What is the condition known as when the orbital contents swell, pushing the eyeball forward?

Exophthalmos, also known as proptosis, refers to the abnormal protrusion of the eyeball from the eye socket (orbit). This condition typically occurs when there is swelling or inflammation of the orbital contents, which can result from various underlying conditions, most notably thyroid eye disease (Graves' disease). When the tissues around the eye become inflamed or swollen, they push the eyeball forward, leading to the characteristic appearance associated with exophthalmos.

Understanding the nature of exophthalmos is crucial, as it can be a sign of more severe health issues and requires medical evaluation. The forward displacement of the eyeball can affect vision, eyelid function, and in some cases, lead to exposure keratopathy, where the cornea gets damaged due to exposure.

The other choices do not pertain to this particular condition. Amyloidosis involves protein deposits in various tissues, pterygium is a growth on the conjunctiva that can affect the cornea but does not cause the eyeball to protrude, and ptosis refers to the drooping of the eyelid rather than any displacement of the eyeball itself. Each of these terms addresses different anatomical and pathological issues of the eye, but only exophthalmos