Chemosis of Conjunctiva: Causes and Symptoms
The causes of conjunctivitis are not fully understood. There is no known cause or trigger for the condition.
However, there have been several theories proposed over time. One theory suggests that it may be caused by exposure to certain chemicals during pregnancy or even from drinking water contaminated with such substances. Another theory suggests that it could be due to a genetic predisposition. A third theory states that it might be due to an imbalance in the body’s immune system.
Symptoms of Chemosis of Conjunctiva:
Conjunctivitis is characterized by inflammation of the cornea, which results in redness, swelling and pain. The condition may affect both eyes; however, if the condition affects only one eye then it will most likely result in blurred vision.
The symptoms usually begin within days to weeks after exposure to sunlight. If left untreated, the condition may progress to become irreversible blindness.
Home Remedy for Chemosis of Conjunctiva:
There are various treatments available for treating chemosis of conjunctiva. These include prescription medications, natural remedies and homeopathic remedies.
Homeopathy is a form of medicine that uses substances other than those found in traditional medicines as its active ingredients. These substances are diluted to such an extent that they are no longer toxic. The goal of this is to find a solution that works with the body’s natural defenses and healing resources, rather than working against it.
Proper home treatment can prevent the condition from worsening. The following are some simple steps that you can take to help you manage your chemosis:
Try to avoid touching or rubbing your eyes as this may cause the condition to worsen.
Use a humidifier in your home.
Wash your hands frequently to avoid getting an infection.
Keep your fingernails trimmed to avoid scratching your eyes.
Try to control any allergies that you may have by taking medications or avoiding the allergen when possible. This is especially important if you have seasonal allergies.
Take a cool bath to relieve your itchy eyes.
Raise your head while sleeping to avoid any fluid build-up in your eyes while you sleep.
Try not to touch your eyes as this may worsen the condition.
Treatments for Chemosis of Conjunctiva:
The most common treatment option is the use of anti-inflammatory eye drops and ointments. These should be used three to four times a day to help relieve pain and inflammation.
Another treatment option is the use of eye drops containing artificial tears. These will help to keep the eyes lubricated and reduce any discomfort or pain. Another option is the use of eye patches. Eye patches are used to relieve pain and pressure around the eyes, as well as reducing any swelling that may be present. Applying a cold compress or using artificial tear eye drops containing hydrocortisone may also be recommended, as this helps to relieve any itching, redness or swelling. Another treatment option includes the use of corticosteroid eye drops. These should be used at the start of an attack to help prevent the condition from getting worse. If these are not effective, then your doctor may recommend stronger prescription eye drops.
Corticosteroid eye drops are a potent form of treatment that can either be topical or taken as an injection. Some symptoms and conditions respond well to this treatment, while others do not.
If the condition is left untreated, then it may worsen and cause damage to the cornea, which is the clear ‘window’ that covers the iris and pupil. If this occurs, then you may experience blurred or diminished vision, pain or a long-term blinding disease known as keratitis. If you suffer from repeated attacks of acute red eye, particularly if the attacks are not caused by an allergen, then it is recommended that you seek the advice of an eye doctor or ophthamoligist. You may also be advised to have a corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) procedure to strengthen the cornea and prevent further damage.
Cross-linking (CXL)
Also known as immunological corneal collagen cross-linking, this treatment strengthens the tissue of the cornea in patients who suffer from repeated attacks of acute red eye. The procedure is fairly new and is rarely available in most eye clinics.
It is only recommended for individuals who suffer from recurrent acute red eye due to weak corneal tissue. Most patients who undergo a CXL procedure report a reduction in attacks and a significant improvement in their vision.
Before the procedure, you will be asked to remove your contact lenses from your eyes as these may interfere with the procedure. Your eye may also be anesthetized using eye drops to prevent any pain or discomfort during the procedure.
Next, a small amount of eye drops containing an alcohol solution will be applied to your eye to help cross-link the tissue. A special instrument, known as a pachymeter, will then be used to measure the thickness of your cornea and determine the right amount of energy to be applied during treatment.
Once the procedure is complete, you may experience some stinging and irritation for a few hours after the treatment. This may intensify if you touch or rub your eye.
It is recommended that you do not participate in any contact sports or rigorous activity for at least a few days after the procedure. You will also be given protective eye shields to wear while you sleep for a few nights. Most patients experience a significant improvement in their vision and a marked reduction in the frequency of their attacks within six months of undergoing this procedure.
Note: not all eye clinics or doctors are capable of performing the cross-linking procedure. You should ask your doctor whether they perform the procedure and if so, whether they have performed it on other patients successfully.
Acute Red Eye – Causes | Diagnosis | Prevention | Treatment | Cross-linking (CXL)
Sources & references used in this article:
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Graft-vs-host-disease-associated conjunctival chemosis and central serous chorioretinopathy after bone marrow transplant by LL Cheng, AKH Kwok, NMS Wat, EL Neoh… – American journal of …, 2002 – Elsevier
Surgical treatment of chemotic conjunctival prolapse following vitreoretinal surgery by TJ Malone, TT David – Archives of Ophthalmology, 1990 – jamanetwork.com
Snip conjunctivoplasty for postoperative conjunctival chemosis by YJ Jones, D Georgescu, JD McCann… – Archives of Facial …, 2010 – jamanetwork.com
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The lymphatic anatomy of the lower eyelid and conjunctiva and correlation with postoperative chemosis and edema by S Shoukath, GI Taylor, BC Mendelson… – Plastic and …, 2017 – cdn.journals.lww.com
Chemosis following blepharoplasty: an unusual complication by MR Levine, R Davies, J Ross – Ophthalmic Surgery, Lasers and Imaging …, 1994 – healio.com
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… of emedastine difumarate 0.05% and levocabastine hydrochloride 0.05%: reducing chemosis and eyelid swelling in subjects with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis by A Secchi, A Leonardi, M Discepola… – Acta …, 2000 – Wiley Online Library
