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Chemosis of the conjunctiva (swelling of the mucous membrane): causes and treatment. How to treat swelling of the bulbar conjunctiva. Conjunctival chemosis - causes and treatment White chemosis

Our eyes are constantly exposed to a variety of unfavorable factors - cold wind, heat, radiation from a computer monitor, excessive visual stress when working in an office. The conjunctiva, the mucous membrane, suffers the most from such stress. One of the most serious diseases of the eye mucosa is conjunctival chemosis.

Symptoms

The peculiarity of the disease is that in the initial stages it occurs without any visible symptoms. The amount of fluid accumulated between the layers of the conjunctiva at the beginning of the disease is small, so only an ophthalmologist can detect the development of pathology. As a rule, this happens by chance during a routine medical examination of the eyes.

As chemosis progresses, the following symptoms begin to appear:

In the absence of treatment and poor hygiene, the pathology can spread to the second eye, as a result of which the patient has serious problems with visual perception. When a bacterial infection occurs, photophobia develops.

Causes

The main and most common cause of the disease is conjunctivitis.

If the disease develops against the background of conjunctivitis, long-term swelling is observed and intense pain occurs in the eyes.

The causes of chemosis that occurs with conjunctivitis may be dry air, infections, corneal swelling, allergies, or periorbital edema.

Dry eyes

In conditions of increased dry air, the risk of developing edema in patients with conjunctivitis increases significantly. Swelling can also form after prolonged exposure to the street in hot, windy weather, or as a result of prolonged work at the computer. Dry eyes are accompanied not only by the formation of conjunctival edema, but also by a feeling of sand and discomfort in the eyes.

Infectious conjunctivitis

Chemosis in conjunctivitis can also be caused by infections. If they penetrate the mucous membranes, pain occurs when moving the eyes, burning, tear production increases, and sometimes pus is present in the tear fluid.

Corneal edema

Another cause of chemosis that occurs against the background of conjunctivitis is inflammation of the cornea due to its damage by viruses, bacteria or fungi. With this pathology, a person is bothered by eye pain, severe swelling, photophobia, and burning. In the morning, after waking up, it is impossible to open the eyelids without rinsing the eyes with warm water. In case of damage to the deep tissues of the cornea, a significant decrease in vision may occur.

Periorbital edema

The development of periorbital edema is caused by damage to the eyes, brain and other organs. Often, after a brain injury, chemosis is localized in the area of ​​the bridge of the nose, since brain injuries cause internal organs to swell and blood flow to be disrupted. One of the distinctive signs of this pathology is the formation of large bruises under the eyes.

Chemosis in allergies

In people prone to allergies, chemosis can develop upon contact with cosmetics, pollen, room dust and other allergenic factors. The pathology is accompanied by swelling and redness of one or both eyes.

Other reasons

Chemosis can also be caused by:


In addition, chemosis can develop due to any pathological process in the body. So, often the disease occurs against the background of:

  • endocrine diseases;
  • brain inflammation;
  • tumor processes;
  • exophthalmos (pathological displacement of the eyeball);
  • vascular diseases, stagnation of blood in the veins;
  • skin tuberculosis.

If chemosis occurs as a result of the listed pathologies, the disease is characterized by a long course, and local treatment does not give a positive result.

Types of disease

Chemosis of the eyes is divided into the following types:

  • Traumatic.
  • Allergic.
  • Bacterial.
  • Viral.

In addition, there is such a variety as chemosis of the bulbar conjunctiva, which is caused by complications after blepharoplasty. A distinctive feature of this pathology is that it does not require treatment and goes away on its own in 1–2 months.

Diagnosis of chemosis

Since there are many reasons for the development of the disease, if chemosis is suspected, the doctor should not only examine the eyes, but also interview the patient to find out what specific factor could provoke the pathology, when it appeared and how it developed.

In addition to visual examination and oral questioning, the following diagnostic methods are used:


Also, if necessary, tonometry is performed - a method by which intraocular pressure is determined. During the diagnostic process, it is necessary to exclude the presence of an abscess, tumors, and skin tuberculosis.

Therapy

The method of therapy is selected depending on what specific factor caused the disease. Moderate and mild degrees of chemosis are treated at home, using medications and traditional medicine. In severe situations requiring surgical intervention, the patient is hospitalized and then undergoes surgery.

Drug treatment

Antibiotics, antivirals, antihistamines or vasoconstrictors are used as conservative agents:

Surgical

The operation is prescribed if chemosis was caused by a tumor process in the eye, internal barley, or an abscess of the eyelid. In addition, surgery may be required for exophthalmos and other pathologies.

ethnoscience

Traditional recipes can only be used as an adjunct to drug treatment.

It must be remembered that the use of “grandmother’s” recipes without medications and medical supervision can lead to the development of severe complications and serious impairment of the function of the visual organs.

Among folk remedies, the most effective are:

  • Eye lotions made from marshmallow roots. An infusion is prepared from the roots of this plant (200 ml of water and 3 tablespoons of crushed raw materials), cotton pads are soaked in the resulting mixture and applied to the eye sockets.
  • Lotions from rosehip decoction prepared from 200 ml of water and 2 teaspoons of chopped berries. After boiling for 5 minutes, the broth must be left for 30 minutes and then strained.
  • Honey-based eye drops - prepared from 300 ml of water and 1 teaspoon of natural honey. Fresh drops must be prepared every day. When diluting honey in water, do not use boiling water.
  • Fresh cherry juice - used both for washing the eyes and as a lotion for the eye sockets. It is also useful for patients with chemosis to consume at least a glass of cherries daily.
  • Lotions made from chamomile infusion. The infusion is prepared from 200 ml of water and 1 tbsp. spoons of plant flowers.

Possible complications

Chemosis is a serious disease, the danger of which is a high risk of developing blindness or a significant decrease in vision, which in most cases is irreversible. If the disease is not treated in a timely or competent manner, the inflammatory process can spread to the cornea and lead to the development of keratitis.

Conjunctival tissues, unlike the cornea, have good regenerative abilities, so proper and timely treatment, as a rule, allows you to quickly get rid of the disease.

Prevention

To prevent the development of chemosis it is necessary:

  • Promptly treat eye inflammation, which can cause the development of chemosis.
  • Protect your visual organs from excessive stress: give your eyes a rest when working on a computer for a long time, reading, driving a car, etc.
  • Provide the body with a good night's rest, which will allow the eye tissues to fully recover overnight.
  • If necessary, periodically take complex vitamins designed to restore the eyes.
  • Include in your diet foods that help strengthen the conjunctival membrane - greens, fresh carrots, dark chocolate, blueberries, spinach.

If severe suppuration, swelling, redness and pain in the eyes occur, you should immediately consult an ophthalmologist. Ignoring symptoms that may indicate the development of chemosis can lead to loss of visual acuity and the development of serious complications.

Against the background of inflammation or external traumatic action, various types of eye pathology are possible, one of which is conjunctival chemosis - the accumulation of fluid between the layers of the surface membrane of the eyeball. Subconjunctival edema leads to visual impairment and requires a course of anti-inflammatory therapy.

Causes of edema

Focal swelling of the conjunctiva in the corner of the eye

The conjunctiva, consisting of 2 layers of cells, performs a protective function. Any external or internal pathological processes can cause swelling between the layers. The main provoking factors for conjunctival chemosis are the following reasons:

  • acute or exacerbation of chronic conjunctivitis;
  • inflammation of the meibomian gland (hordeolum);
  • blepharitis;
  • abscess of the eyelid;
  • exophthalmos;
  • postoperative period during eye or eyelid surgery;
  • constant exposure to traumatic factors (microtraumas, strong wind, dust, dry climate, high temperature, toxic substances);
  • allergic reactions to external allergens (plant pollen, house dust, animal hair);
  • vascular disorders (stagnation of venous blood);
  • tumors of the periorbital region;
  • prolonged and unreasonable administration of drugs into the conjunctival sac.

Regardless of the reasons, if inflammation is detected or against the background of injury, it is necessary to treat conjunctival edema.

Manifestations of pathology

Only a doctor can detect a slight accumulation of fluid between the layers of the conjunctiva: the person will not have any manifestations. With severe inflammation with chemosis, the following symptoms occur:

  • uncomfortable eye condition;
  • visual impairment such as blurred images;
  • difficulty closing the eyelids (unpleasant sensations and pain);
  • discharge from the eyes due to the inflammatory process and reflex lacrimation.

The worst option is bilateral total edema caused by an acute inflammatory process with clear manifestations of visual disturbances.

Examination methods

During the initial examination, the ophthalmologist will detect the following changes:

  • redness in the sclera and inner surface of the eyelids;
  • swelling of the tissues in the conjunctival sac;
  • excessive lacrimation.

After standard examination methods - ophthalmoscopy and biomicroscopy - the doctor will prescribe anti-inflammatory therapy to remove the main symptoms and create conditions for eliminating subconjunctival edema.

Therapy tactics


Instilling the drug into the eye will eliminate inflammation and swelling of the conjunctiva

The basis of effective treatment is the local use of antimicrobial drugs in the form of eye drops and gel. The main goals of therapy are:

  • impact on the source of inflammation;
  • improvement of blood flow in the vessels of the periorbital region;
  • peace for the eye with the elimination of all aggressive external factors;
  • elimination of allergic reactions.

It is necessary to carefully and accurately follow all the specialist’s recommendations to ensure optimal conditions for recovery. When the inflammatory process is eliminated, the swelling of the conjunctiva will disappear in a short period of time.

Prevention measures

To prevent visual disturbances associated with conjunctival edema, the following medical recommendations should be followed:

  • prevent inflammatory diseases of the eyeball;
  • protect the organ of vision from external aggressive factors;
  • minimize eye strain;
  • spends more time in the fresh air;
  • See an ophthalmologist regularly.

The prognosis for vision with conjunctival chemosis is favorable: after therapy and elimination of the inflammatory process in the outer shell of the eyeball, all functions of the visual analyzer will be restored.

Causes, symptoms and treatment tactics for conjunctival chemosis

Severe swelling of the mucous membrane of the eyeball is called conjunctival chemosis. The conjunctival membrane of the organ of vision consists of the bulbar and tarsal parts. Between them there is a transitional fold. Near the inner corner of the eye there is a semilunar fold and caruncle. The tarsal part of the conjunctiva fits tightly to the base, and the bulbar part is loosely connected to it, so it can easily rise. The epithelium of the conjunctiva passes smoothly into the covering, which means that these tissues are embryologically very close.

In newborns, subconjunctival tissue is not fully developed. It is fully formed during the first year of a child’s life. The loose connective tissue also contains lymphatic formations. In the area of ​​the tarsal part of the conjunctival membrane, folding can be detected, and on its cross section - formations that are very similar to glands.

Stratified columnar epithelium also contains goblet cells. Their number increases in some pathological conditions. When the microcirculation of the conjunctiva is disrupted, significant changes can occur in it. First, microthrombosis, edema, and then hemorrhage appear. This may be a sign of a local pathological process or a systemic disease.

Most often, swelling can be found in the area of ​​the conjunctiva of the eye, as well as the transitional fold. Swelling of the conjunctival membrane of the organ of vision (conjunctival chemosis) sometimes reaches quite significant sizes. It first passes to the cornea, and subsequently protrudes from the palpebral fissure.

Causes of conjunctival chemosis

Chemosis is caused by both local and general factors. Often this condition is of allergic or endocrine origin. Chemosis develops as a result of the following local pathological processes:

  • inflammation of the conjunctival membrane (or gonoblenorrhea);
  • inflammatory process of adjacent areas (cellulitis, panophthalmitis);
  • retrobulbar tumors;
  • congestion;
  • use for instillation of certain medications;
  • swelling

This pathology can be localized in a limited area or spread over the entire surface of the conjunctiva. When you have conjunctivitis, pus sometimes accumulates under the edematous layer of the conjunctiva. This condition in some cases leads to ulceration of the cornea.

Chemosis is sometimes caused by panophthalmitis or retrobulbar tumor. With these diseases, congestion also occurs. In some cases, chemosis develops as a result of malignancy.

Chemosis can be a complication of the lower. In this case, there is an increase in swelling of the bulbar conjunctiva. This swelling usually goes away within a month and a half.

Treatment of conjunctival edema should be prescribed by an ophthalmologist. Remember that self-medication never brings the desired effect. First of all, you should undergo an ophthalmological examination and find out the nature of the disease. Treatment depends on the etiology of the pathological process.

Severe swelling of the mucous membrane of the eyeball is called conjunctival chemosis. The conjunctival membrane of the organ of vision consists of the bulbar and tarsal parts. Between them there is a transitional fold. Near the inner corner of the eye there is a semilunar fold and caruncle. The tarsal part of the conjunctiva fits tightly to the base, and the bulbar part is loosely connected to it, so it can easily rise. The epithelium of the conjunctiva passes smoothly into the covering, which means that these tissues are embryologically very close.

In newborns, subconjunctival tissue is not fully developed. It is fully formed during the first year of a child’s life. The loose connective tissue also contains lymphatic formations. In the area of ​​the tarsal part of the conjunctival membrane, folding can be detected, and on its cross section - formations that are very similar to glands.

Stratified columnar epithelium also contains goblet cells. Their number increases in some pathological conditions. When the microcirculation of the conjunctiva is disrupted, significant changes can occur in it. First, microthrombosis, edema and then hemorrhage appear. This may be a sign of a local pathological process or a systemic disease.

Most often, swelling can be found in the area of ​​the conjunctiva of the eye, as well as the transitional fold. Swelling of the conjunctival membrane of the organ of vision (conjunctival chemosis) sometimes reaches quite significant sizes. It first passes to the cornea, and subsequently protrudes from the palpebral fissure.

Causes of conjunctival chemosis

Chemosis is caused by both local and general factors. Often this condition is of allergic or endocrine origin. Chemosis develops as a result of the following local pathological processes:

  • inflammation of the conjunctival membrane (or gonoblenorrhea);
  • inflammatory process of adjacent areas (cellulitis, panophthalmitis);
  • retrobulbar tumors;
  • congestion;
  • use for instillation of certain medications;
  • edema.

This pathology can be localized in a limited area or spread over the entire surface of the conjunctiva. When you have conjunctivitis, pus sometimes accumulates under the edematous layer of the conjunctiva. This condition in some cases leads to ulceration of the cornea.

Chemosis is sometimes caused by panophthalmitis or retrobulbar tumor. With these diseases, congestion also occurs. In some cases, chemosis develops as a result of malignancy.

Chemosis can be a complication of the lower. In this case, there is an increase in swelling of the bulbar conjunctiva. This swelling usually goes away within a month and a half.

Treatment of conjunctival edema should be prescribed by an ophthalmologist. Remember that self-medication never brings the desired effect. First of all, you should undergo an ophthalmological examination and find out the nature of the disease. Treatment depends on the etiology of the pathological process.

The connective membrane of the eye () includes the tarsal and bulbar parts, as well as the transitional fold between the two. In the area of ​​the internal angle, the semilunar fold with the lacrimal caruncle is localized.

The tarsal conjunctiva is tightly attached to the base, and the bulbar conjunctiva is loosely attached to it, so it is easily raised if necessary. The epithelium of the conjunctiva smoothly passes into the epithelium of the cornea; embryologically they are close. As for the subconjunctival tissue, it is not yet developed in newborns and develops during the first year of life. At the same time, lymphatic elements appear in loose connective tissues. The tarsal conjunctiva shows some folding, and a transverse section reveals formations that appear to be glands. Stratified columnar epithelium contains goblet cells. Under pathological conditions, their number can increase significantly. With circulatory disorders, obvious changes appear on the conjunctiva. Hyperemia, hemorrhages and swelling can be signs of both local and general diseases.

Take care of your eyesight, it is very easy to lose and very difficult to restore! 978 03/08/2019 5 min.

The eyes are considered an incredibly sensitive and important organ of the human body.

Every day they are exposed to enormous stress, and most of it falls on the mucous membrane of the conjunctiva. Of course, such pressure cannot pass without leaving a trace, and therefore, over time, a person may develop inflammation - chemosis.

It is necessary to combat this kind of inflammation immediately after diagnosis, since the risk of deterioration in well-being and visual acuity is very high. What are the reasons for the development of chemosis, and how does the problem manifest itself?

Causes

Before talking about the symptoms and possible treatment options, you need to find out the very original source of the problem that contributes to inflammation. Why does chemosis of the conjunctiva most often develop:

  1. An allergic response to dust, debris, or pollen.
  2. Mechanical injury.
  3. Displacement of the eyeball, which most often indicates serious eye pathologies.
  4. Development of conjunctivitis or blepharitis.
  5. Meibomite.

This disease has an ICD 10 code H10. When making a diagnosis, the doctor takes into account not only the presence of certain symptoms, but also the degree of their development.

Most often, conjunctival chemosis develops under the influence of external factors. For example, it can appear due to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation or due to a chemical burn. Only an ophthalmologist can name the exact diagnosis and cause of the complication.

When can we talk about increased intraocular pressure?

Meibomite in the acute stage can provoke swelling of the conjunctiva (photo)

To properly combat glaucoma, read the instructions for Travatan eye drops.

Kinds

Most often, doctors classify the disease depending on the degree of eye damage. Thus, partial or complete damage to one eye may occur. Patients often complain of swelling that occurs in both eyes.

Another type of problem is chemosis of the bulbar conjunctiva, which develops as a complication after lower blepharoplasty. The main feature of this type is that the disease almost always goes away on its own 1-2 months after the first symptoms appear.

Ophthalmologists divide chemosis into subtypes and depending on the stimulating factor leading to the development of complications. Thus, there are allergic, traumatic and viral types of the disease.

A dangerous disease that can lead to complete loss of vision.

Chemosis may occur due to injury, allergy, or infection

Read the instructions for Tropicamide eye drops.

Symptoms

The main danger of this disease lies in the fact that in the initial stages it is quite difficult to detect. Outwardly, the problem does not manifest itself in any way, but over time, alarming symptoms still arise. Here are just the most serious of them:

  • discomfort, which manifests itself in itching and increased tearing;
  • blurred vision, gradual decrease in visual acuity;
  • purulent discharge from the eyes;
  • gradual increase in eye swelling.

If there is no treatment even after the first signs appear, the disease will begin to progress rapidly. The person will experience severe swelling, sharp pain in the eye and constant festering. Over time, chemosis of the conjunctiva can result in a sharp decrease in visual acuity and the development of other pathologies.

Only an ophthalmologist can make a correct diagnosis, since the symptoms can easily be confused with many other diseases.

A drug based on dorzolamide for the treatment of glaucoma.

Ultrasound will help determine the depth of the lesion

Diagnostics

The first thing a doctor does when he suspects such a diagnosis is interview the patient. He must find out when the symptoms first appeared, how they progressed, and what may have been the triggering factor.

Since oral interviews do not provide the full picture, doctors may turn to the following diagnostic techniques:

  • biomicroscopy;
  • visometry to determine current visual acuity;
  • performing radiography and ultrasound;
  • ophthalmoscopy;
  • blood test, conjunctival scraping and other laboratory tests.

Conjunctival chemosis can develop at any age, but most often the disease strikes patients in adulthood. Children have a hard time with such problems, and chemosis is often accompanied by bacteriological or infectious diseases.

After studying the diagnostic data, an accurate diagnosis is made and appropriate treatment is prescribed. The doctor must take into account the patient’s age, the presence of contraindications and complications.

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Biomicroscopy is a mandatory diagnostic step

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Treatment Options

After making a diagnosis, doctors always prescribe medications, the purpose of which is to stop the further development of the inflammatory process. What medications are most often used in this case:

  1. Antibiotics, for example, Floxal, Tobramycin, Okamicin.
  2. Vasoconstrictor drugs, which are used if inflammation of the conjunctiva appears due to interaction with an allergen.
  3. Antihistamines are also used to block the action of the allergen.
  4. Antiviral agents such as Interferon alfa, Idoxuridine and Poludan are especially effective in the first days after infection.

Types of illness

Each named medication has its own contraindications and nuances of use. That is why an ophthalmologist should be responsible for their prescription.

For mild to moderate severity of the problem, the doctor almost always prescribes medication. However, there are situations when surgical intervention is simply unavoidable.

We are talking, first of all, about advanced chemosis, when inflammation has reached large proportions. Also, surgical intervention may be necessary if it is detected, if there is an abscess of the eyelid or if a tumor develops.

There are also traditional treatment options, which ophthalmologists urge to use only as auxiliary options.

So, you can turn to chamomile infusion lotions, cherry lotions and taking a decoction of rose hips.

In severe cases, laser surgery may be used. The operation takes no more than an hour, and from an aesthetic point of view it is much more preferable.

Find out how effective Hilokomod moisturizing eye drops are.

Broad-spectrum antibiotic

Antiviral and immunomodulatory drug

Prognosis and prevention

Conjunctival chemosis is a very dangerous disease, so it should be treated immediately upon detection. It is important not to ignore the symptoms, since over time they can result in chronic inflammation, the development of malignant tumors and a decrease in overall visual acuity.

Among the most effective prevention methods, doctors usually identify the following:

  • It is necessary to take breaks when working at the computer every hour;
  • It is recommended to take a complex of vitamins that help improve vision;
  • The diet should always include foods such as carrots, dark chocolate, blueberries, broccoli;
  • It is recommended to visit an ophthalmologist every six months to promptly identify the problem.

Video

This video will tell you how to treat conjunctivitis, as well as the reasons for its occurrence.

Chemosis of the conjunctiva is treatable, and with timely consultation with a doctor, a complete recovery can be achieved. However, it is very important to monitor your own feelings, because this insidious disease can result in a relapse at any time. See also information about and.

) consists of the tarsal and bulbar parts and the transitional fold between these two parts. In the area of ​​the internal angle there is a semilunar fold and a lacrimal caruncle.

The tarsal conjunctiva is tightly attached to the base, while the bulbar conjunctiva is loosely attached to it and can therefore be easily elevated. The epithelium of the conjunctiva passes into the epithelium of the cornea; embryologically they are close. Subconjunctival tissue in newborns is not yet developed; it develops only during the first year of life. Lymphatic elements also appear in the loose connective tissue. There is some folding in the tarsal conjunctiva and, on transverse section, formations that appear to be glands are visible. The stratified columnar epithelium also contains goblet cells. Under pathological conditions, their number can increase significantly.
Circulatory disorders cause obvious changes in the conjunctiva. Swelling, hyperemia, hemorrhages can be symptoms of local and general diseases.

Chemosis (swelling of the conjunctiva)

Edema manifests itself mainly in the area of ​​the conjunctiva of the eyeball and the transitional fold. Swelling of the conjunctiva of the eyeball (chemosis) can reach such a size that the conjunctiva covers the cornea and protrudes from the palpebral fissure. The causes of chemosis can be general and local. Chemosis can also be of allergic or endocrine origin.

Local causes of chemosis are inflammation of the conjunctiva or its surroundings, congestion. Significant chemosis may occur with severe conjunctivitis, for example, with gonoblenorrhea; with inflammation of the surrounding parts of the conjunctiva, for example, with styes, panophthalmitis, orbital phlegmon, with retrobulbar tumors. Chemosis can also be caused by the installation of drugs into the conjunctival sac. Edema of the eyelids is often accompanied by chemosis of the conjunctiva. In some cases, chemosis is limited, in others it covers the entire conjunctiva of the eyeball.

In conjunctivitis, pus and bacteria can accumulate under the swollen conjunctiva, and they can contribute to ulceration of the cornea. A common cause of chemosis is panophthalmitis and retrobulbar tumor. As a result of significant stagnation and strangulation, stagnation is also observed in the vessels of the conjunctiva. Chemosis can also occur in connection with malignant exophthalmos.


Severe swelling of the mucous membrane of the organ of vision is called conjunctival chemosis. This layer of the eye experiences the greatest stress and takes on the negative effects of external factors, some of which cause the development of infection or inflammation. If such ailments could not be identified at an early stage or the therapy was chosen incorrectly, then the abscess becomes severe and chemosis develops.

To understand the mechanism of the anomaly, it is necessary to understand how the mucous membrane of the organ of vision is structured. This is a layer in the ocular apparatus, consisting of bulbar and tarsal matter. The second type of fabric is located almost close to the eyeball and is attached to it. The bulbar matter is partially adjacent to the eye, and minor “gaps” are formed between them. For this reason, the tissue is slightly raised above the eyeball.

The elements are united by a transitional fold. When the conjunctiva is damaged, the focus of inflammation is concentrated in this area, since medications in the form of eye drops practically do not penetrate there.

Destructive processes caused by pathogenic microorganisms occurring in this fold are protected from the effects of any medicinal drugs. As a result, not only the mucous membrane, but also the blood circulation is seriously affected. The swelling becomes severe, which can cause protrusion of the conjunctiva from the palpebral fissure.

Kinds

Doctors classify pathology depending on the degree of damage. For example, the disease can develop in one or both eyes. Inflammation can affect the entire surface of the mucous membrane or a specific area.

Another form of the disease is chemosis of the bulbar conjunctiva. It appears after undergoing blepharoplasty on the lower eyelid. A distinctive feature of the anomaly is that it completely disappears on its own after one or two months.

Depending on the factor that provoked the onset of the disease, doctors divide the disease into allergic, traumatic and viral types.

Causes

Swelling can appear outside or inside the organ of vision. Most often, this signals the development of inflammation in the eyes. Unpleasant symptoms may appear if there are problems with the thyroid gland or kidneys. The disease also occurs due to a number of provoking factors.

Dry eyes

Swelling of the mucous membrane in most cases develops due to dry air in the room. Therefore, it is recommended to regularly ventilate rooms to achieve optimal humidity levels. However, strong winds or unfavorable climates (for example, hot and dry areas) can also cause chemosis. Rare blinking can “dry” the conjunctiva. A similar condition occurs when a person works at a computer.

This is easy to do; buy eye drops that imitate human tears. You will also need medications to narrow blood vessels (Vizin). To prevent the recurrence of chemosis, follow these recommendations:

  • Reduce the level of stress on the visual apparatus;
  • Buy safety glasses for working on a computer;
  • Don't forget to blink;
  • Monitor the humidity level in the room, ventilate it more often;
  • If you have to spend a lot of time on your PC, take a break every half hour.

Infectious conjunctivitis

Pathology does not always develop under the influence of external factors. In some cases, swelling, redness and itching can signal the development of pathological processes in the body. Most often, the cause of inflammation is hidden in infection of the visual apparatus by one or another microorganism.

Infectious conjunctivitis is accompanied by pain when trying to move the eyeballs. Patients complain of a strong burning sensation and increased lacrimation. In some cases, purulent exudate is observed. Each person's symptoms manifest themselves individually, sometimes the patient cannot even open his eyes.

To treat infectious conjunctivitis, local therapy is used, which includes taking eye drops and antimicrobial medications. Prevention measures include maintaining hygiene and using a minimum amount of cosmetics.

You will learn about the symptoms of conjunctivitis and treatment methods by watching the video.

Corneal edema

Pathology can develop not only from the inside, but also from the outside. Such processes signal the development of serious diseases. Damage to the cornea can lead to complete loss of vision. Therefore, do not delay your visit to the clinic and visit a doctor when the first alarming symptoms appear.

Inflammatory processes can be caused by viruses, fungi or bacteria. Regardless of what caused the disease, the disease manifests itself almost identically in all cases. The anomaly is accompanied by painful sensations, intolerance to bright light and increased lacrimation. In severe forms, patients have difficulty opening their eyes, they experience discomfort when blinking, and the cornea swells greatly.

Anti-inflammatory medications are prescribed as therapy. Under no circumstances should you choose medications on your own! This will not bring a positive effect. In order for the therapy to produce results, it is important to determine the cause of swelling. For this purpose, comprehensive diagnostics are carried out.

Periorbital edema

One of the most dangerous diseases accompanied by the development of chemosis. It damages not only the visual apparatus, but also the brain. The pathology also affects internal organs, and metabolism malfunctions.

Typically, swelling is concentrated in the bridge of the nose. The cause of the disease is hidden in brain injury, circulatory disorders or the formation of neoplasms. In addition to swelling, large bruises appear.

If dangerous symptoms appear, you should immediately seek medical help. This is especially true for those who have suffered a brain injury. The pathology can cause blindness and even death. Very often, surgery is prescribed to treat periorbital edema.

If the endocrine system malfunctions, the risk of developing chemosis also increases. In addition to swelling, the following symptoms appear:

  • Prostration;
  • Apathy;
  • Lack of sleep;
  • Pressure surges;
  • Bad mood.

Pathological processes in the endocrine system lead to severe complications, especially in children. They grow slowly, there is a lag in mental and physical development. Hormonal imbalances can trigger the appearance of neoplasms and sudden weight loss. The course of treatment is selected after a detailed diagnosis. In this case, surgery is also often prescribed.

Chemosis in allergies

One of the most common causes of swelling is the body’s reaction to external irritants. In such situations, chemosis develops rapidly. In some cases, inflammation that does not allow you to close your eyes appears within a few minutes. Moreover, it also subsides quickly; it is enough to take an antihistamine and avoid contact with the irritant.

The main danger of allergic edema is that it begins to itch very much. A person through negligence can damage the cornea. And such an injury can provoke the development of serious complications.

Swelling appears both with contact allergies (the irritant penetrates the organ of vision) and with general allergies. In the second case, the disease affects both eyes and is accompanied by additional symptoms:

  • Increased lacrimation;
  • Nasal congestion;
  • Sneezing.

Symptoms

At the initial stage, the disease is almost impossible to detect, since it occurs without pronounced symptoms. The reason lies in the fact that the accumulation of pus between the eye and the conjunctiva is insignificant, and only an ophthalmologist can identify them during an examination.

As the disease develops, it makes itself felt with characteristic symptoms:

  • Uncomfortable sensations in the organ of vision (itching, burning, stinging);
  • Purulent exudate is observed from the affected eye;
  • The swelling moves from the mucous membrane to the eyelids, so closing them can cause pain;
  • There is a fog or veil before the eyes.

All forms of pathology are accompanied by a decrease in visual acuity. However, such destructive processes are reversible; the main thing is to start therapy in a timely manner. Otherwise, the destruction directly affects the tissues of the eye, making it almost impossible to restore visual acuity.

Diagnostics

Before selecting a therapeutic course, the doctor conducts a detailed examination to make an accurate diagnosis and determine the cause of the spread of the anomaly. Mandatory procedures include:

  • Tonometry. Measuring intraocular pressure;
  • General blood analysis;
  • Scraping from the mucous membrane for bacteriological examination;
  • Ophthalmoscopy. Examination of the fundus to assess the condition of the structures of the visual apparatus;
  • Ultrasonography;
  • Radiography;
  • Biomicroscopy. It is carried out to analyze the anterior and posterior sections of the eyeball.

Special attention should be paid to differential diagnosis, which will help exclude diseases such as epidermal tuberculosis, benign or malignant tumors, etc.

Treatment options

After conducting a detailed diagnosis and identifying the cause of the disease, the doctor selects the optimal course of therapy.

Medicines

When prescribing medications, the doctor is based on the etiology of the anomaly:

  • Antibiotics. The drugs are prescribed when the conjunctiva is damaged by harmful bacteria. The medication is used for several days six to eight times a day. After the symptoms subside, the frequency of use is reduced. Most often, doctors prescribe drugs such as Tobramycin, Floxal, Okamicin;
  • If the cause of the disease is hidden in infection by pathogenic viruses, then doctors select antiviral medications (Acyclovir, Poludan, Indoxuridine). The greatest effectiveness of taking the drugs is observed on the first day of therapy;
  • If the symptoms are caused by an allergic reaction, antihistamines and vasoconstrictors are used. The result of taking them will only be if contact with the irritant has been previously eliminated.

Any medications are prescribed by a doctor after a detailed diagnosis.