Is the ability to bulge your eyes out of your head a genetic trait, or a skill anyone could learn?

Question

You know those people who tend to end up on Letterman's 'stupid people tricks', or freak shows, that can push their eyes our of their sockets? Does that ability run in their family or could anyone just practice and learn how to do that (if they really wanted to)? I wonder if that's dangerous - does anyone know?

Answer 1

It has to do with the shape of the eye sockets and the shape and size of the eye. People with shallow eye sockets and big eyes can usually do this, so I guess it is genetic, although if you had very big eyes and a small head, you could learn to do it. You could probably strain your eyes trying (or the muscles that attach your eyes to your skull), though, so this might just be a "talent" you want to skip.

I've seen people do it & it isn't very attractive. Since muscle strain is a real possibility, this may be like your mother told you when you were a kid; "Watch out, your face may freeze like that!", at least temporarily.

Answer 2

It's called prominent eyes and it is usually a family characteristic. However, prominent eyes are not the same as bulging eyes. Bulging eyes should receive prompt attention for possible hyperthyroidism (particularly Graves' disease) it's probably the most common cause of bulging eyes.

Answer 3

I saw a guy get run over by a steam roller...yeah, his eyes bulged right out!!

Answer 4

Yeah, start out by putting your head in a vise and turn it til you can't take the pain any more and then give it one additional turn. I think thats how they do it. hahahahehehehe

Answer 5

Uh...not that I know of but I'm sure danger is a huge factor in it lol.

Answer 6

Oh stop, you're grossing me out.