What is chemosis of the conjunctiva?

Chemosis of the conjunctiva may be a sort of eye inflammation. The condition is more often mentioned as “chemosis.” 

It occurs when the inner lining of the eyelids swells. This transparent lining, called the conjunctiva, also covers the surface of the attention . The swelling of the conjunctiva means your eye has become irritated.

Chemosis is most frequently associated with allergies. Sometimes a viral or bacterial infection may cause it. Chemosis isn't contagious — you can’t catch it from another person.

Causes of chemosis of the conjunctiva

The primary explanation for chemosis is irritation. Allergies play a task in eye irritation and chemosis.

 Seasonal allergies or allergies to pets are the most causes. Animal dander and pollen can make your eyes water, look red, and ooze a white-colored discharge. 

This condition is named allergic conjunctivitis. you'll develop both conjunctivitis and chemosis due to allergies.

Chemosis of the conjunctiva is additionally related to angioedema. this is often a sort of allergy during which your skin swells. Unlike hives — a swelling on the surface of your skin — angioedema swelling occurs underneath your skin.

Eye infections, like viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, can cause chemosis. you'll even have chemosis after eye surgery, or as a results of hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism may be a condition during which your thyroid overproduces hormones. consistent with Columbia University’s Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, some people with overactive thyroids experience eye-related symptoms like chemosis.

Rubbing your eyes an excessive amount of or too often also can cause chemosis.

Symptoms of chemosis

Chemosis occurs when the membrane lining your eyes and eyelids accumulates fluid. Symptoms may include:

watery eyes

excessive tearing

itchiness

blurry or diplopia 

You might not be ready to close your eyes completely during a bout of chemosis due to the swelling. 

Some people don't have any symptoms of chemosis aside from inflammation.

Call your doctor if you've got eye pain or symptoms of a severe allergy . Symptoms of a severe allergy include changes in breathing or pulse , wheezing, and swelling of the lips or tongue.

How is chemosis diagnosed?

Your ophthalmologist can most frequently diagnose chemosis by doing a physical examination of the affected eye(s). Your ophthalmologist may ask questions on the length and severity of your symptoms. 

Give detailed information about your symptoms and allergies. this may help your doctor find the simplest treatment.

Treatment for chemosis

The key to treating chemosis is to scale back inflammation. Managing the swelling can reduce discomfort and negative impact on your vision. 

Placing cool compresses over your eyes may ease discomfort and inflammation. Your doctor can also tell you to prevent wearing contact lenses during treatment.

Further treatment may depend upon the explanation for your chemosis.

Allergies

If chemosis is caused by allergies, your doctor may recommend antihistamines. These medications reduce your body’s reaction to allergens. 

An allergen may be a substance that your body sees as harmful. 

When your body encounters an allergen, like dust or pet dander, it produces histamines to repel the perceived intruder. 

Antihistamines can help suppress this immune reaction and reduce symptoms like irritation and swelling. attempt to stand back from known allergens like pollen, pet dander, and smoke.

An over-the-counter oral antihistamine, like Claritin (loratadine), is typically strong enough to treat chemosis inflammation thanks to allergies. 

Let your doctor know if these medications aren't effective. you'll need a prescription for stronger medications.

Bacterial infection

Your doctor may prescribe medicated eye drops to lubricate your eyes. 

counting on the severity of your condition, you'll need over-the-counter eye drops.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with antibiotic ointments or eye drops.

 If you show symptoms of a bacterial infection, take the complete course of medication. 

this may prevent the infection from recurring.

Viral infection

Viral conjunctivitis is another potential explanation for chemosis. However, antibiotics don’t treat viral infections. 

Cold compresses and lubricating eye drops are often the simplest treatments for this sort of infection.

Long-term outlook for chemosis

Your outlook depends on the cause and severity of chemosis. If you treat the underlying cause you ought to make a full recovery.

Can chemosis be prevented ?

In some cases, like after eye surgery, chemosis might not be preventable. 

However, if chemosis is caused by allergies, taking steps to avoid them and managing symptoms can reduce the danger for recurring bouts of chemosis.

 Practice good hand washing to stop the spread of bacteria. Also, avoid excessively touching or rubbing your eyes, especially with dirty hands.

OPTOMETRY-SHARP VISION

Optometrist