How can I speed the healing of chemosis? Antihistamine drops? Taping shut?

Question

I had upper and lower lids done mid Feb. A week after surgery chemosis developed in both eyes and the doc prescribed a steroid drop for me to use 1 week. It cleared up in one eye but the other doesn't completely close and is still pretty bad. I'm taping the corner of my eye upward, using natural tears during the day, lubricant at night and wearing an eye mask while I sleep. The condition hasn't gotten any worse over the last 10 days but it certainly hasn't improved.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

Chemosis can take a while to resolve, so be patient - it will go away!  In the meantime  you want to keep the eye as moist as possible.  When it dries out the chemosis can get worse.  So lots of artificial tears during the day, and ointment at night.  You may also want to try patching the eye at night, as some pressure may help the fluid leave the eye.  If it persists for a few weeks, it is sometimes necessary to drain the fluid - see an oculoplastic surgeon if the chemosis doesn't improve.

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

Treatment for chemosis depends on different factors including the reason for the chemosis, how long it has been present, and the severity of the chemosis. The range of treatment includes lubricating drops to steroid drops/ointment to eye patching to eyelid suturing to surgery. See the link on my website for more information.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

The humidifier is not too effective.  The tobradex is an antibiotic/steroid drop or ointment.  Unfortunately the product is irritating to the eye surfaces.  The dexamethasone in the tobradex does counteract this irritation somewhat but not completely.  Chemosis is swelling of the conjunctiva.  Dryness does make the situation worse.  For this reason lubrication of the eye surface with bland ophthalmic ointment at night and plain artificial tears during the day is helpful.  I would recommend that you surgeon refer you to an oculoplastic surgeon for management input.

Jonathan Sykes, MD · Answer

Chemosis after blepharoplasty is certainly bothersome.  It typically takes about 3 weeks to resolve, although some cases take longer.
I think the use of steroid drops is good, but I would not advise them for greater than 1 week.  I also think that taping helps.
On rare occasion, direct resection of the chemotic area with post resection drops and taping is necessary.

George Commons, MD (retired) · Answer

This condition of chemosis always gos.  Keep doing what you are doing plus add a cool mist vaproizer at night.  In addition you should use Tobradex drops during the day and Tobradex ointment at night.  Sometimes I even add Bactrim DS twice a day orally.  This will greatly help.  Talk to your doctor.   My Best,  Dr C

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How can I speed the healing of chemosis? Antihistamine drops? Taping shut?

Answers (5)

EYELID SURGERY PROVIDERS NEAR YOU