Causes & Conditions

Common causes (etiologies)

Globe tethering results from acute/subacute intraorbital mass effect producing significant proptosis with tethering by the stretched optic nerve.

Infectious

• Subperiosteal abscess (commonly in orbital cellulitis context)

Hemorrhagic / vascular

• Hemorrhage into lymphangioma
• Orbital varix
• Carotid-cavernous fistula–related orbital congestion

Other mass effects

• Implantation/epithelial cysts and other space-occupying lesions
• Trauma-related orbital hemorrhage

Clinical correlation

Worsening tenting can correlate with increasing proptosis, increased optic nerve length, and more severe visual impairment—highlighting why etiology and acuity matter.

Note: This site is for education and does not replace clinical judgement. If acute proptosis or vision loss is suspected, seek urgent specialist care.