Chemosis is the swelling (or

edema Edema (American English), also spelled oedema (British English), and also known as fluid retention, swelling, dropsy and hydropsy, is the build-up of fluid in the body's tissue (biology), tissue. Most commonly, the legs or arms are affected. S ...

) of the

conjunctiva In the anatomy of the eye, the conjunctiva (: conjunctivae) is a thin mucous membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the sclera (the white of the eye). It is composed of non-keratinized, stratified squamous epithelium with gobl ...

. The term derives from the

Greek Greek may refer to: Anything of, from, or related to Greece, a country in Southern Europe: *Greeks, an ethnic group *Greek language, a branch of the Indo-European language family **Proto-Greek language, the assumed last common ancestor of all kno ...

words ''cheme'' and ''-osis'', ''cheme'' meaning cockleshell due to the swollen conjunctiva resembling it, and ''-osis'' meaning condition. 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. Sometimes, it may also appear as if the iris has moved slightly backwards from the white part of the eye due to the fluid filled in the conjunctiva all over the eyes except the iris. The iris is not covered by this fluid and so it appears to be moved slightly inwards.

Causes

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. If chemosis has occurred due to excessive rubbing of the eye, the first aid to be given is a cold water wash for eyes. Other causes of chemosis include: *

Superior vena cava The superior vena cava (SVC) is the superior of the two venae cavae, the great venous trunks that return deoxygenated blood from the systemic circulation to the right atrium of the heart. It is a large-diameter (24 mm) short length vei ...

obstruction, accompanied by facial oedema *

Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism is a endocrine disease in which the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones. Thyrotoxicosis is a condition that occurs due to elevated levels of thyroid hormones of any cause and therefore includes hyperth ...

, associated with exophthalmos, periorbital puffiness, lid retraction, and lid lag * Cavernous sinus thrombosis, associated with infection of the paranasal sinuses, proptosis, periorbital oedema, retinal haemorrhages,

papilledema Papilledema or papilloedema is optic disc swelling that is caused by increased intracranial pressure due to any cause. The swelling is usually bilateral and can occur over a period of hours to weeks. Unilateral presentation is extremely rare. In ...

, extraocular movement abnormalities, and trigeminal nerve sensory loss *Carotid-cavernous fistula – classic triad of chemosis, pulsatile proptosis, and ocular bruit *

Cluster headache Cluster headache is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent severe headaches on one side of the head, typically around the eye, eye(s). There is often accompanying eye watering, nasal congestion, or swelling around the eye on the aff ...

* Trichinellosis *

Systemic lupus erythematosus Lupus, formally called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in many parts of the body. Symptoms vary among people and may be mild to severe. Common ...

(SLE) *

Angioedema Angioedema is an area of swelling (edema) of the lower layer of skin and tissue just under the skin or mucous membranes. The swelling may occur in the face, tongue, larynx, abdomen, or arms and legs. Often it is associated with hives, which are ...

*Acute

glaucoma Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can lead to damage of the optic nerve. The optic nerve transmits visual information from the eye to the brain. Glaucoma may cause vision loss if left untreated. It has been called the "silent thief of ...

*Panophthalmitis *Orbital cellulitis *Gonorrheal conjunctivitis * Dacryocystitis * Spitting cobra venom to the eye *High concentrations of phenacyl chloride in chemical mace spray *Urticaria *Trauma *HSV Keratitis *Post surgical *Mucor *Rhabdomyosarcoma of the orbitNarang, G.S., Pahwa, J.S. Pediatric Oncall Child Health Care. Fungating orbital mass Question. 8 Feb 2011
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Diagnosis

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.

Causes

Diagnosis

Treatment

References

External links