Chemosis is an eye irritation characterized by fluid retention around the eye, often caused by conjunctivitis or angioedema. It can also be caused by trichinosis, hyperthyroidism, sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, or Reiter’s syndrome. Treatments include antihistamines and identifying and treating the underlying cause.
Chemosis is an umbrella term that can be used to describe an eye irritation, especially in reference to the conjunctiva, which is the mucous membrane that lines the eyeball and the inside of the eyelid. The condition is most often characterized by the appearance of fluid retention around the outer surface of the eye. This can sometimes cause swelling so extensive that it becomes difficult to close the eye.
A common cause of the condition is a viral infection of the conjunctiva. This infection, also known as pink eye, is a type of conjunctivitis. Pink eye can be very contagious, especially among children. Other symptoms of the infection, in addition to chemosis, may include watery eyes with discharge and discomfort or itching. Pink eye often affects one eye initially, but usually moves to both.
Another common cause of chemosis is angioedema, which is swelling under the skin, sometimes in the form of a bruise. These painful and often itchy bruises usually occur around the mouth and eyes, as well as on the hands, feet, and throat. In addition to chemosis and bruising, angioedema can cause breathing difficulties and abdominal cramps. The condition is most often caused by an allergic reaction to a particular food, drug, insect sting, or pollen. Treatments for angioedema can include corticosteroids, antihistamines, and epinephrine.
Trichinosis, a parasitic disease, is a more serious condition that can cause chemosis. It can occur when a person consumes raw or undercooked pork or game meat that has been infected with the larvae of a certain type of roundworm, known as the trichina worm. Chemosis can also be related to hyperthyroidism, a condition caused by an overactive thyroid, and sarcoidosis, a disease that can cause inflammation in organs and tissues, including the eyes, lymph nodes, lungs, and skin.
Tuberculosis, a contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs, can also lead to chemosis of the eye. Reiter’s syndrome, better known as reactive arthritis, can cause similar eye irritation. This inflammatory condition can affect not only the eye, but also the urethra and joints.
Home treatments to ease the discomfort of chemosis may include cold compresses on the affected eye and over-the-counter oral or topical antihistamines. The condition should improve once the underlying cause is identified and treated. Patients are advised to seek medical attention, especially if they experience other more serious symptoms, such as vision changes, difficulty breathing or fainting.
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