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Chemosis

• Overview
• Treatment

Alternative Names:

Fluid-filled conjunctiva; Swollen eye or conjunctiva

Home Care:

Over-the-counter antihistamines and cool clothes placed on the eyes may help relieve symptoms due to angioedema or allergies.

If symptoms continue, see your doctor.

Call your health care provider if:

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not go away. Also call if you have other symptoms such as eye pain, change in vision, difficulty breathing, or fainting.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms, which may include:

• When did it start?
• How long does the swelling last?
• How bad is the swelling?
• How much is the eye swollen?
• What, if anything, makes it better or worse?
• What other symptoms do you have? (For example, breathing problems)

Your doctor may prescribe an eye cream to reduce swelling. If the swelling is caused by an infection, antibiotics will be given.

• Review Date: 2/22/2007
• Reviewed By: Manju Subramanian, MD, Assistant Professor in Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery, Boston University Eye Associates, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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