MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Chemosis

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Chemosis

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative Names Definition Considerations	Causes Home Care When to Contact a Medical Professional What to Expect at Your Office Visit

Illustrations

Chemosis

Alternative Names Return to top

Fluid-filled conjunctiva; Swollen eye or conjunctiva

Definition Return to top

Chemosis is swelling of the tissue that lines the eyelids and surface of the eye (conjunctiva).

Considerations Return to top

In general, chemosis is a nonspecific sign of eye irritation. The outer surface covering appears to have fluid in it. Often, the eye area swells so much that you can't close your eyes properly.

Chemosis is often related to an allergic response or infection.

Causes Return to top

Angioedema
Allergic response
Viral infection (conjunctivitis)

Home Care Return to top

Over-the-counter antihistamines and cool clothes placed on the eyes may help relieve symptoms due to angioedema or allergies.

If symptoms continue, see your doctor.

When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not go away. Also call if you have other symptoms such as eye pain, change in vision, difficulty breathing, or fainting.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit Return to top

The doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms, which may include:

When did it start?
How long does the swelling last?
How bad is the swelling?
How much is the eye swollen?
What, if anything, makes it better or worse?
What other symptoms do you have? (For example, breathing problems)

Your doctor may prescribe an eye cream to reduce swelling. If the swelling is caused by an infection, antibiotics will be given.

Update Date: 2/22/2007

Updated by: Manju Subramanian, MD, Assistant Professor in Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery, Boston University Eye Associates, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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