Buphthalmos is the descriptive term for generalized enlargement of the globe usually seen in infants and young children due to the presence of congenital glaucoma. The name derives from the Ancient Greek referring to the bulging eyes of cows (i.e. bull's eye). It is contrasted with staphyloma characterized by focal thinning of the choroid leading to local bulging of the globe.

Phthisis bulbi is the descriptive term for an atrophic, non-functional globe. It can result from severe eye disease, inflammation and injury including eye surgery. The word phthisis, from Ancient Greek, indicates a progressively wasting or consumptive condition (and is also applied to tuberculosis).