Our eyeballs are constantly under the influence of external factors. Dust, a foreign body, water and even shampoo can get to the surface every now and then during water procedures. The conjunctiva, which is the outer shell of the eye, just protects our organs of vision from the harmful effects of external stimuli. One of the most serious diseases in relation to this membrane is conjunctival chemosis.
General information about the disease
Actually, the very definition of chemosis means swelling of the mucous membrane of the eyeball, the development of which is due to a violation of the protective functions of the conjunctiva. The inflammatory process, as a rule, occurs in the transitional fold. However, in advanced cases, swelling affects the cornea and can go beyond the palpebral fissure.
Typically, this symptom is accompanied by hemorrhage and redness of the ocular membrane. Ultimately, this can lead to significant visual impairment. Therefore, it is extremely important to conduct an anti-inflammatory course of treatment in a timely manner. In addition, in some cases, due to puffiness, the eyelids do not completely close. But what can provoke chemosis? More about this later.
The underlying causes of conjunctival chemosis
In most cases, such a disease begins to develop due to an allergic reaction, trauma, hormonal imbalance. However, there are other reasons for the development of such an ophthalmic disease:
- The effects of chemicals on the shell of the eyeball.
- Neoplasms of the periorbital part of the eye.
- Violation of the outflow of fluid in the conjunctiva and beyond.
- Permanent contact with harmful substances due to labor activity.
- Individual intolerance or hypersensitivity to a number of drugs.
- Dry climate.
- The effects of dust on the organs of vision.
The severe form of the inflammatory process of the conjunctiva inevitably leads to a serious complication, during which a whole colony of pathogenic microorganisms settle on the surface layer of the eyeball.
Blepharoplasty
This may seem strange, but after blepharoplasty, treatment for conjunctival chemosis is not as rare as we would like. But what is this procedure? In fact, it is a plastic operation during which excess skin and fat deposits are removed from the eyelids. Due to this, the shape of the eyes changes. Blepharoplasty is a real salvation for those people who want to get rid of bags under their eyes, so hated by many people.
With this procedure, you can not only raise the corners of the eyes, but also give the look a more attractive and expressive look. Such an operation is very popular among residents of European countries. There, the average age of women who are forced to consult a doctor about their appearance ranges from 45 to 50 years. This is where the need arises for skin tightening and the return of youth.
In Asia, young women aged 18-20 use this service. Only here it is not a matter of age-related changes - it is important for such patients to change the size of the eyes to give them a rounded appearance. For information, conjunctival chemosis after scleroplasty is also not uncommon.
Types of operation
There are several types of blepharoplasty:
- injection;
- thermal lifting;
- Thermage
- laser blepharoplasty.
At the same time, such an operation should not be considered a panacea and this is far from the only opportunity to restore elasticity for centuries and broaden one's horizons (in the physical sense). If the problem is not global in nature, then alternative methods of solving it should be used.
Complications after the procedure
Like any surgical intervention, including the like, blepharoplasty can be associated with certain risks. Moreover, not only the patient's face suffers, but also his moral condition. After all, if an additional procedure is required, then this is already overpriced.
There are several reasons for the unsuccessful operation. First of all, this is a lack of qualification and should be experienced by the surgeon. At the same time, responsibility falls not only on the shoulders of doctors - much depends on the patient himself. And if he does not follow the recommendations prescribed to him by a specialist, one should not be surprised at the rapid development of conjunctival chemosis.
Also, individual features of the structure of the patient's eyelids should be included here.
Symptomatology
The initial stage of the disease proceeds in the absence of characteristic signs. In this case, the interlayer accumulation of liquid is negligible. Only a specialist can detect pathology. But, as a rule, patients consult a doctor in a later period, when a number of symptoms appear on the face:
- Severe burning, itching and sore eyes.
- Visual acuity is reduced.
- Visible objects begin to blur.
- During the opening and closing of the eyes, pain appears.
- increased lacrimation.
- The presence of discharge from the eyes.
In the latter case, this is still evidence that the infection has connected to the inflammatory process. In especially advanced cases, pathology affects both organs of vision.
Diagnostics
Chemosis of the eye is a disease that should not be ignored, hoping that it will go away by itself. If you suspect the presence of an inflammatory process, you must visit a doctor. The first step is a detailed history. The doctor needs to know when exactly the patient felt the first signs of the disease, as well as the possible factors that caused his development.
During the initial examination, the doctor may notice a number of changes. In particular, this is redness in the sclera and the inner part of the eyelids. Also, a specialist can easily detect swelling of the conjunctival sac and increased lacrimation.
In extreme cases, additional research methods may be involved to make an accurate diagnosis:
- Biomicroscopy is a non-contact method for examining organs of vision.
- Ophthalmoscopy - the fundus is examined.
- Visometry - visual acuity is determined.
- Tonometry - measured intraocular pressure.
- Conducting laboratory tests (conjunctival scraping, blood donation, etc.).
During the diagnosis period, it is important not only to determine the causes of the pathogenesis of conjunctival chemosis, but also to exclude possible serious pathologies such as abscess, skin tuberculosis and subcutaneous retina. It is also necessary to identify the presence of various neoplasms. And after the nature of the disease is determined, the doctor will be able to prescribe the appropriate course of treatment.
Types of disease
Based on the reasons that contribute to the appearance of chemosis of the ocular membrane, there are several forms of this disease:
Allergic chemosis, as can be understood, can be caused by various allergens. For example, the most common of them are pollen, pet hair, smoke. Moreover, the inflammatory process can affect directly the eyeballs and the nearest soft tissue. This reaction is the body's response to exposure to an allergen, which is manifested by the production of histamines.
Conjunctival bacterial chemosis is caused by harmful bacteria. The increased formation of purulent discharge is a key sign of this pathology.
Viral disease, as a rule, proceeds accompanied by a viral infection.
Treatment
The effectiveness of the course of treatment largely depends on the diagnosis. Only a high-quality and comprehensive examination of the organs of vision will reveal the causes of the pathology and prescribe one or another method of therapy. Chemosis can be overcome with the help of two main methods - this is drug therapy or surgery.
If the disease is moderate and mild, then therapy can be carried out at home under the strict supervision of a doctor. However, with the development of complications, which, however, is extremely rare, the patient is placed in a hospital.
As mentioned above, conjunctival chemosis is not a disease that can be ignored. In any case, if you experience any discomfort in your eyes, it is better to immediately contact an ophthalmologist - let it be an extra precaution. In particular, it is necessary to visit a doctor with a sharp decrease in vision, swelling and purulent discharge.
Drug therapy
In the case of a diagnosis of chemosis of the mucous membrane of the eyes and depending on the form of chemosis, certain medications can be used:
- Antibiotics ("Gentamicin", "Tobramycin", "Okamycin", "Phloxal").
- Vasoconstrictor drugs (in case of allergic reactions).
- Antihistamines (a group of drugs that blocks the activity of histamine receptors, thereby inhibiting its effects).
- Antiviral medicines (Indoxuridine, Poludan, Interferon Alfa, Acyclovir).
In no case do not self-medicate - this is the prerogative of only an ophthalmologist and no one else. In the best case, this will not bring the expected result; otherwise, more serious complications may arise.
Surgery
With mild or moderate severity of conjunctival chemosis, medication can still give the desired result. But with regard to more advanced forms of the disease, whether it be internal barley (meibomite), an abscess of the eyelid or the presence of neoplasms in the orbit, surgical treatment may be required here.
In this case, surgery to eliminate unwanted symptoms is carried out on an emergency basis.
Traditional medicine
You can reduce puffiness with some traditional medicine. However, this cannot be called an independent treatment and therefore they are recommended to be used in combination as part of the basis of therapy. Proven recipes that our grandmothers have successfully used:
- Althea root. In a glass of water (200 ml) is taken 3 tbsp. l raw materials. Cooking time - 8 hours.
- Rosehip berries. Here, a glass of water requires 2 tsp. - boil for 5 minutes, then let it brew for half an hour. Make lotions.
- Sweet cherry. This is a natural medicine against conjunctival chemosis, with which you can remove the inflammatory process. You can take it inside, make lotions from fresh berries, and rinse your eyes with diluted juice.
- Honey drops. To 0.5 l of distilled water, add 1 tsp. this product is useful in every sense. Bury eyes one drop twice a day.
- Chamomile. From this plant lotion is also made - 1 tbsp. l raw material is poured in a glass of boiling water. Preparing the composition in a water bath - to a boil. After that, give him insist and use as intended.
Folk techniques and various recipes show themselves well in relation to many diseases, including eye diseases. However, despite the obvious benefit, it is recommended that you consult a specialist before using the recipes listed above.
The fact is that even the most harmless means can contain allergens, which will further exacerbate the situation.
Preventive actions
In order for a disease such as conjunctival chemosis not to be taken by surprise, or even not to begin to develop at all, it is necessary to adhere to simple preventive rules:
- Try not to allow the development of an inflammatory process in the eyes.
- Protect the organs of vision from external factors.
- Try not to strain your eyes too much.
- Most of the time to be in the fresh air.
- Visit an ophthalmologist regularly.
A further prognosis for chemosis is rather favorable. After curing the disease and eliminating inflammation of the lining of the eyeball, the functionality of the organ of vision is fully restored.