What is chemosis?
Chemosis describes the swelling of the conjunctiva of the eye. The conjunctiva is normally an extremely thin mucous membrane that covers the inside of the eyelids as well as the white skin of the eye. It prevents foreign bodies and pathogens from entering the eye and ensures that the tear film is distributed over the eye. If fluid becomes lodged in the conjunctival tissue (edema), chemosis results. Other terms for this are conjunctival edema, chemosis, and conjunctival edema.
Chemosis often develops on the basis of another disease, for example hay fever. It is therefore a specific symptom of the eye, which can also occur mainly in eye diseases.
Chemosis: Appearance
In chemosis, the conjunctiva lifts from the eyeball like a bubble. A whitish, glassy or bright red, bulge-like swelling develops. The conjunctiva may also swell under the eyelid and bulge conspicuously. The edema may be so severe that the eyelids cannot be closed. Sometimes it even covers part of the cornea and iris.
Chemosis: Similar manifestations of the conjunctiva.
Chemosis is not behind every conjunctival swelling. Certain viruses or bacteria also cause so-called follicles. In this case, the conjunctiva bulges out like a nodule or grain because cells of the immune system accumulate underneath. The top of the protrusions is glassy.
Papillae (“paving stones”) are angular, flattened protrusions of the conjunctiva. In their center, a fine vascular tree is seen. They usually occur in allergic patients or contact lens wearers.
Chemosis: Causes and possible diseases
Chemosis can occur when the conjunctiva or adjacent structures become inflamed or severely irritated. Local reactions cause fluid to leak more easily from the blood vessels into the tissue. The tissue swells and the conjunctival edema becomes visible.
The reasons for this can be quite different. In most cases, an allergy (e.g. to pollen, animal hair, cosmetics) is responsible for the conjunctiva becoming inflamed and swollen (allergic conjunctivitis).
Never mix different care products for contact lenses. They could react chemically and cause allergic conjunctival swelling.
Chemosis: When should you see a doctor?
See an eye doctor if your conjunctiva is swollen. This is especially true if there are other symptoms. The doctor can find out the cause of the symptoms and, if necessary, initiate a necessary therapy.
Chemosis: What does the doctor do?
The doctor first inquires in detail about your complaints, your general state of health and any underlying diseases. During this collection of medical history (anamnesis), the doctor asks, for example:
- How long has the swelling been present?
- Do you have any other complaints?
- Did you recently get something in your eye or injure your eye?
The ophthalmologist then examines the affected eye. With the help of the so-called slit lamp, he directs a slit-shaped beam of light onto your eye. This allows him to examine the conjunctiva and other areas of the eye more closely. If the conjunctiva is inflamed, he may take a swab. With its help, any pathogens can be detected in the laboratory.
To find out the exact cause of your symptoms, the doctor may perform other tests, such as an allergy test or blood tests.
How does the doctor treat chemosis?
If the chemosis is due to an infection, the doctor will prescribe medication against the pathogens, for example antibiotics for bacteria. In the case of other causes such as tumors, injuries or chemical burns, the doctor will also initiate appropriate therapy.
The swelling of the conjunctiva usually goes down when the cause has been treated.
Chemosis: What you can do yourself
Chemosis may be a symptom of a serious condition. Therefore, have the conjunctival swelling clarified by a doctor in any case. If your doctor diagnoses conjunctivitis, you can support the healing process with home remedies. You can read more about proven home remedies and how to use them in our article “Conjunctivitis – Home Remedies”.
If an allergy is responsible for the chemosis, then try to avoid the allergy trigger (pollen, animal hair, etc.) as best as possible.