enophthalmos
Sunken-Looking Eye
Plain-language definition
A sunken appearance of the eye, classically after an orbital fracture that enlarges the eye socket. The apparent sunken eye in Horner syndrome is actually an illusion caused by the drooping upper eyelid (pseudoenophthalmos), not true posterior displacement of the globe.
Where this term comes up
“Apparent enophthalmos-eye appears sunken (due to ptosis)”
Condition · Horner Syndrome
“Sunken appearance (enophthalmos): may be masked initially by swelling”
Condition · Orbital Fracture
“Orbital fracture with herniation can produce enophthalmos (the eye sinks back) - a negative change on exophthalmometry”
Test · Exophthalmometry (Hertel)
- Category
- Condition, finding, or disease process
- Also written as
- No alternate forms listed.
Pathology terms describe diseases, tissue changes, exam findings, or complications that can affect vision or eye comfort.
Related glossary terms
- MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- cornea
Clear Front Window
- anhidrosis
Absent Sweating
- anisocoria
Pupils of Unequal Size
- demyelination
Nerve Insulation Damage
- diplopia
Double Vision
A note on medical context
A glossary definition can explain a word, but it cannot tell you whether a symptom or test result is serious. If this term came from an article, use the full article and your clinician's guidance for context.