Can you tell if an eye is bulging just by looking? my dr said you can't see white above iris so it isn't bulging. just paranoid.

Somewhat: A common sign of proptosis (bulging) on external exam is scleral show (white visible "above" the superior aspect of the iris). However the absence of scleral show does not exclude proptosis. This is commonly measured in the office with the use of a device called an exophthalmometer.

Hertel Ophthalmomete: Hertel ophthalmometer is an instrument used to measure the distance the front of cornea is from the bone on the temporal aspect of you eye socket. That is the most reliable way of actually measuring and documenting position of eye. Causal glance is great for romantic books! don't be embarrassed or paranoid. If that is your reason for consultation, you are entitled to such basic measurement.