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A-Z Glossary

Table of Contents

Chemosis

Courtney Dryer, OD
Written byCourtney Dryer, OD
Courtney Dryer, OD
Courtney Dryer, ODOptometristCharlotte, NC

Bio

Dr. Courtney Dryer earned her doctorate from Southern College of Optometry, Memphis, Tennessee in 2011. She opened her own practice Autarchic Spec Shop in 2013 in Charlotte, NC. She has had the privilege of writing for numerous optometric publications and serving in various industry capacities. In 2015, Vision Monday named her a rising star and one of the most influential women in optometry. Her optometric passions include practice management, specialty contact lenses, and dry eye management.

  • Last updated January 27, 2023

What is Chemosis?

Chemosis is the swelling of the conjunctiva, which is the clear membrane over the eyelids and the surface of the eye. Chemosis can look similar to a blister on the eye. If severe, it can be difficult to close the eye. Chemosis is an inflammatory reaction mediated by the release of histamine, serotonin, and bradykinin. It is a nonspecific finding and is secondary to direct endothelial cell insult. It is a sign of an allergic reaction, bacterial or viral infection, angioedema, or trauma.

Key Takeaways

  • Chemosis is a swelling of the clear membrane called the conjunctiva.
  • Chemosis is a non-specific inflammatory reaction typically caused by allergic, bacterial or viral conjunctivitis.
  • Chemosis is self-limiting and resolves with treatment of the underlying condition.
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Understanding Chemosis

Conjunctival chemosis is excess fluid in the conjunctiva. It is typically self-limiting or reversible if the underlying condition is treated. Chemosis is a sign of other ocular conditions.

Risk Factors for Chemosis

The risk factors for chemosis include allergic, viral or bacterial conjunctivitis.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Both topical and oral antihistamines can reduce your body’s response to allergens and reduce the chemosis. Antihistamines can help suppress the immune response and also reduce irritation and swelling. 

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with antibiotic ointments or eye drops. Chemosis will resolve after the bacterial conjunctivitis is treated. Bacterial conjunctivitis is most common in children.

Viral Conjunctivitis

There is no treatment for viral conjunctivitis, but it resolves without treatment in 10-14 days. Cold compresses and artificial tear drops improve the look and feel of the eye more quickly.

Chemosis Symptoms

Symptoms vary according to the cause of the chemosis, but may include:

  • Redness
  • Watery eyes
  • Burning
  • Mattering
  • Itching

Diagnosing Chemosis

Chemosis can be seen during a slit lamp exam by an eye doctor. 

Chemosis Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of the chemosis, but the key to treating chemosis is to reduce inflammation. Managing the swelling with cool compresses can reduce the discomfort and improve the appearance of the eye.

Bibliography

  1. Baba A, Matsuda H, Shiba T, Takahashi Y, Tsuneoka H. Conjunctival Chemosis Caused by Exposure of the Lacrimal Caruncle: A Case Report. Case Rep Ophthalmol. 2017;8(1):120-123. Published 2017 Mar 1. doi:10.1159/000457787
  2. Chemosis. Mount Sinai. Retrieved October 24, 2022, from https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/symptoms/chemosis
  3. Kalin NS, Orlin SE, Wulc AE, Heffler KF, Frayer WC, Sulewski ME, Mittra RA, Cavanagh HD. Chronic localized conjunctival chemosis. Cornea. 1996 May;15(3):295-300. doi: 10.1097/00003226-199605000-00011. PMID: 8713933.
  4. Minckler MR, Newell C, Drummond B. Chemosis from trauma. West J Emerg Med. 2014;15(4):357-358. doi:10.5811/westjem.2014.3.21550

Related Terms

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Enophthalmos

is when one eye is displaced deeper into the eye socket compared to the other eye

Vitreous Humor

is a colorless, gelatinous material that fills the back of the eye

Retinal Ganglion Cells

are photosensitive cells in the retina that send light information to the brain

Schlemm’s Canal

is a cylindrical vessel that collects fluid (aqueous) inside the eye and drains it into blood vessels

Hypotony

is low pressure inside the eye that can lead to vision loss

Benign Essential Blepharospasm

is a type of focal cranial dystonia characterized by involuntary contractions of the orbicularis oculi muscle resulting in eye closure

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