Chemosis

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Chemosis

Overview

Treatment

Chemosis

Definition:

Chemosis is a condition in which the membranes that line the eyelids and surface of the eye (conjunctiva) are swollen. The outer surface covering appears to have fluid in it. Often, the conjunctiva become so swollen that the eyes cannot close properly.

Alternative Names:

Fluid-filled conjunctiva; Swollen eye or conjunctiva

Considerations:

In general, chemosis is a nonspecific sign of eye irritation. Accumulation of fluid in the surface membranes causes them to swell. This symptom is often related to an allergic response, infection, or severe exposure.

Common Causes:

Angioedema
Allergic response
Viral infection (conjunctivitis)
Exposure such as sleeping with eyes open

Review Date: 4/8/2005
Reviewed By: Raymond S. Douglas, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Ophthalmology, UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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