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Chemosis

AI overview

Chemosis is the swelling (or edema) of the conjunctiva (the lining of the white of the eye).

Key points
  • Chemosis is a nonspecific sign of eye irritation.
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    chemosis is a nonspecific sign of eye irritation
  • The swelling is due to the oozing of exudate from abnormally permeable capillaries.
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    The swelling is due to the oozing of exudate from abnormally permeable capillaries
  • It is usually caused by allergies or viral infections, often inciting excessive eye rubbing.
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    It is usually caused by allergies or viral infections, often inciting excessive eye rubbing
  • Chemosis is included in the Chandler Classification system of orbital infections.
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    Chemosis is also included in the Chandler Classification system of orbital infections
Symptoms
  • The outer surface covering appears to have fluid in it.
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    The outer surface covering appears to have fluid in it
  • The conjunctiva becomes swollen and gelatinous in appearance.
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    The conjunctiva becomes swollen and gelatinous in appearance
  • The eye area may swell so much that the eyes become difficult or impossible to close fully.
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    the eye area swells so much that the eyes become difficult or impossible to close fully
  • It may appear as if the iris has moved slightly backwards from the white part of the eye due to fluid buildup.
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    it may also appear as if the iris has moved slightly backwards from the white part of the eye, due to the builup of fluid in the conjunctiva
Diagnosis
  • An eye doctor may diagnose chemosis by doing a physical examination of the affected area.
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    An eye doctor may most often diagnose chemosis by doing a physical examination of the affected area
  • The doctor may also ask questions about the severity and length of other symptoms.
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    They can also ask questions about the severity and length of other symptoms
Treatment
  • Treatment depends on the cause of the chemosis.
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    Treatment depends on the cause of the chemosis
  • If chemosis is due to excessive rubbing of the eye, first aid is a cold water wash for eyes.
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    If chemosis has occurred due to excessive rubbing of the eye, the first aid to be given is a cold water wash for eyes
Red flags
  • Superior vena cava obstruction may cause chemosis accompanied by facial oedema.
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    Superior vena cava obstruction, accompanied by facial oedema
AI-synthesized from the Wikipedia article “Chemosis”. Not medical advice. Verify source →
Chemosis
Example of chemosis
Specialty

Chemosis is the swelling (or edema) of the conjunctiva (the lining of the white of the eye). The term derives from Ancient Greek: χήμη, romanized: khḗmē, meaning 'cockleshell', due to the swollen conjunctiva resembling it, and -osis, meaning 'condition or disorder'.[1] The swelling is due to the oozing of exudate from abnormally permeable capillaries. In general, chemosis is a nonspecific sign of eye irritation. The outer surface covering appears to have fluid in it. The conjunctiva becomes swollen and gelatinous in appearance. Often, the eye area swells so much that the eyes become difficult or impossible to close fully.[2] Sometimes, it may also appear as if the iris has moved slightly backwards from the white part of the eye, due to the builup of fluid in the conjunctiva. The iris is not covered by the conjunctiva, and so it appears to be moved slightly inwards.

An eye with a swollen region of the conjunctiva (front view).
An eye with a swollen region of the conjunctiva.

It is usually caused by allergies or viral infections, often inciting excessive eye rubbing. Chemosis is also included in the Chandler Classification system of orbital infections.[citation needed]

If chemosis has occurred due to excessive rubbing of the eye, the first aid to be given is a cold water wash for eyes.[citation needed]

Other causes of chemosis include:[citation needed]

An eye doctor may most often diagnose chemosis by doing a physical examination of the affected area. They can also ask questions about the severity and length of other symptoms.[citation needed]

Treatment depends on the cause of the chemosis.[citation needed]