CHEMOSIS OF CONJUNCTIVA
Chemosis or oedema of the conjunctiva is of frequent occurrence owing to laxity of the tissue.
Causes of chemosis of conjunctiva
The common causes of chemosis can be grouped as under:
1. Local inflammatory conditions.
These include conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, fulminating iridocyclitis, endophthalmitis, panophthalmitis, styes, acute meibomitis, orbital cellulitis, acute dacryoadenitis, acute dacryocystitis, tenonitis and so on.
2. Local obstruction to flow of blood and/or lymph.
It may occur in patients with orbital tumours, cysts, endocrine exophthalmos, orbital pseudotumours, cavernous sinus thrombosis, carotico-cavernous fistula, blockage of orbital lymphatics following orbital surgery, acute congestive glaucoma etc.
3. Systemic causes.
These include severe anaemia and hypoproteinaemia, congestive heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, urticaria, and angioneurotic oedema.
Clinical features and management of chemosis depends largely upon the causative factor.
OPTOMETRY-SHARP VISION
Optometrist