Are your eyes swollen like jelly? Let's talk about Chemosis!

Have you ever looked in the mirror and noticed that the white part of your eye is swollen, like a watery blister, like jelly? Maybe it's swollen, including the eyelid, and it feels like it's hard to close your eye properly? It's normal to feel a little scared when you see this. But don't be afraid. This is what we medically call 'Chemosis.' Today, we'll talk about this in a simple way that you can understand.

Simply put, what is Chemosis?

Chemosis is the swelling of the membrane in your eye called the conjunctiva. Now you're probably wondering what this conjunctiva is. It's very simple.

• There is a very thin, transparent membrane over the white part of the eye (what we call the sclera).
• This same membrane also covers the inside of your eyelids.

This membrane is called the conjunctiva. This is the first line of defense that protects the eye from things like dust and dirt that enter the eye. So if this membrane gets irritated for some reason, our body sends fluids, blood cells, and immune cells to the area to heal it. When these things come together, that jelly-like swelling occurs.

Sometimes this swelling can look like a small, blister-like lump. It may also be slightly yellow. But if the swelling is severe, you may not be able to close your eye completely.

Why do eyes swell like this? What are the main causes?

There can be many reasons why the conjunctiva of the eye becomes swollen. Let's take a look at some of the most common causes and some of the more unusual ones.

Commonly seen reasons

These are the reasons we often see with chemosis.

Some unusual (but possible) reasons

These causes are not as common as those mentioned above, but they can also cause chemosis.

• Chemicals or small particles: Things like smoke, dust, and vehicle exhaust can irritate and swell your eyes. Getting a household cleaning chemical in your eyes can also be a serious problem.
• After surgery: Sometimes, this swelling can occur as a side effect after eye surgery, for example, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty).
• Autoimmune conditions: These are conditions in which our own immune system attacks our own body parts. An example is Graves' disease. This mainly affects the thyroid gland, but the eyes can also be affected, causing chemosis.
• Nerve problems: If the nerves that move our eyes are damaged, this swelling can also occur as a result.
• Certain medications: If you are allergic to certain medications you are taking, especially certain eye drops, chemosis can occur as a side effect.
• Heart failure: When the heart's function is impaired, fluid accumulates in the body. This can cause fluid to accumulate in the conjunctiva of the eye and cause swelling.

How is this treated?

The treatment for chemosis depends entirely on the cause. Your doctor will examine you and determine the cause before prescribing treatment.

• Antibiotics: If your eye is swollen due to a bacterial infection, your doctor will prescribe the appropriate eye drops or ointment.
• Anti-inflammatory medications: These types of medications help reduce swelling and redness.
• Cold packs: For minor swelling, you can reduce swelling by applying a clean cloth soaked in cold water or a few ice cubes wrapped in a cloth around the eye.

In addition to these, other treatments may be required depending on the cause. Therefore, only your doctor can give you the best advice on the most appropriate treatment for you.

What can we do at home?

If the cause is not too serious, just a minor swelling, there are a few simple things you can do at home.

1. Apply cold water: As we discussed above, soak a clean cloth in cold water, close your eyes, and hold it for about 15-20 minutes. Do this several times a day. Never place ice cubes directly on your skin. This can damage your skin. If you use ice, make sure to wrap it in a thin towel.

2. Use artificial tear drops: These help to provide moisture to the eyes and reduce dryness and discomfort. Ask your doctor about this and choose the right type.

3. Allergy medication: If you believe your eye is swollen due to an allergy, you can take antihistamines as directed by your doctor. However, be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any medication.

4. Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes: When something happens to your eyes, we can't help but rub them. But doing so will only make the problem worse. So, avoid touching your eyes as much as possible.

Are there ways to prevent this situation?

We can prevent some of the causes of chemosis, but we can't control some (e.g. other medical conditions). So let's do what we can.

• Wash your hands often: There is a high chance of catching diseases when you touch your eyes with dirty hands. Especially things like 'eye diseases' spread very quickly. So, be sure to wash your hands with soap after coming back from the outside and after touching animals.
• Protect your eyes: If you are doing work that creates dust and dirt (e.g., gardening, carpentry, grinding), be sure to wear safety glasses.
• Manage allergies: If you know you have an allergy to something, stay away from it as much as possible. If necessary, see a doctor and get treatment.
• Don't rub your eyes: If you feel like something has gotten into your eye, instead of rubbing it, try rinsing it with clean water. If that doesn't work, seek medical advice.

When should you see a doctor?

Chemosis is not always serious. However, if you have any of the symptoms below, see a doctor immediately or go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).