View source for Chemosis

{{Short description|Swelling of the conjunctiva}}
{{redirect|Swollen eyeball|swelling around the eyeball|Periorbital puffiness}}
{{dist|Chamois|Chemiosmosis}}
{{Infobox medical condition (new)
| name            =
| synonyms        =
| image           = Chemosis (2).jpg
| alt             =
| caption         = Example of chemosis
| image_size     =350px
| field           = {{ublist|[[Ophthalmology]]|[[Otorhinolaryngology]]|(eye/nose/throat medicine)}}
| symptoms        =
| complications   =
| onset           =
| duration        =
| types           =
| causes          =
| risks           =
| diagnosis       =
| differential    =
| prevention      =
| treatment       =
| medication      =
| prognosis       =
| frequency       =
| deaths          =
}}
'''Chemosis''' is the [[Swelling (medical)|swelling]] (or [[edema]]) of the [[conjunctiva]] (the lining of the white of the eye). The term derives from {{langx|grc|{{wikt-lang|grc|χήμη}}|khḗmē}}, meaning {{gloss|[[Cockle (bivalve)|cockleshell]]}}, due to the swollen conjunctiva resembling it, and {{wikt-lang|en|-osis}}, meaning {{gloss|condition or disorder}}.<ref>{{Cite dictionary |title=Chemosis - Definition |url=https://openmd.com/define/chemosis |access-date=2023-02-19 |dictionary=OpenMD}}</ref> 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.<ref>[https://www.medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003038.htm MedlinePlus Health Information from the National Library of Medicine]</ref> Sometimes, it may also appear as if the [[iris (eye)|iris]] has moved slightly backwards from the white part of the eye, due to the builup of fluid in the conjunctiva. The iris is not covered by the conjunctiva,  and so it appears to be moved slightly inwards.

==Presentation==
{{Empty section|date=November 2025}}
== Causes ==
[[Image:ChemosisFront.jpg|thumb|alt=alt text|An eye with a swollen region of the conjunctiva (front view).]]
[[Image:ChemosisSide.jpg|thumb|right|An eye with a swollen region of the conjunctiva (mirror, side view).]]
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.{{cn|date=November 2025}}

If chemosis has occurred due to excessive rubbing of the eye, the first aid to be given is a [[eye wash|cold water wash for eyes]].{{Citation needed|date=November 2020}}

Other causes of chemosis include:{{cn|date=November 2025}}
* [[Superior vena cava]] obstruction, accompanied by facial oedema
* [[Hyperthyroidism]], 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]], extraocular movement abnormalities, and [[trigeminal nerve]] sensory loss
* Carotid-cavernous [[fistula]] – classic [[medical triad|triad]] of chemosis, pulsatile [[proptosis]], and ocular [[bruit]]
* [[Cluster headache]]
* [[Trichinellosis]]
* [[Systemic lupus erythematosus]] (SLE)
* [[Angioedema]]
* Acute [[glaucoma]]
* [[Panophthalmitis]]
* [[Orbital cellulitis]]
* [[Gonorrheal conjunctivitis]]
* [[Dacryocystitis]]
* [[Spitting cobra]] venom to the eye
* Exposure to chemical agents such as [[phenacyl chloride]], [[pepper spray]], or "[[mace spray]]"
* [[Urticaria]]
* Trauma, including surgical trauma
* [[Keratitis]]
* {{itco|{{lang|la|[[Mucor]]}}}} infection
* [[Rhabdomyosarcoma]] of the orbit<ref>[http://www.pediatriconcall.com/fordoctor/imagegallery/GetPrint.aspx?id=164 Narang, G.S., Pahwa, J.S. Pediatric Oncall Child Health Care. Fungating orbital mass Question. 8 Feb 2011]</ref>

==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.{{cn|date=November 2025}}

== Treatment ==
Treatment depends on the cause of the chemosis.{{cn|date=November 2025}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Medical resources
| ICD10           = <!--{{ICD10|Xxx.x}}-->
| ICD9            = <!--{{ICD9|xxx}}-->
| ICDO            =
| OMIM            =
| DiseasesDB      =
| MedlinePlus     = 003038
| eMedicineSubj   =
| eMedicineTopic  =
| MeSH            =
| GeneReviewsNBK  =
| GeneReviewsName =
| Orphanet        =
| SNOMED CT       = 8148005
}}
{{Eye pathology}}
{{Portal bar|Medicine}}

[[Category:Eye diseases]]
[[Category:Inflammations]]
[[Category:Disorders of conjunctiva]]