Chemosis: Avoidance and management tips

Abstract

Prolonged chemosis can be frustrating particularly following combined upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty surgery or following very large eyelid reconstruction cases. Many known risk factors for prolonged chemosis include previous periocular surgery, ocular allergy, thyroid orbitopathy, lagophthalmos, preoperative conjunctivochalasis, and prior head and neck radiation. Intraoperative factors are excessive surgical manipulation, cauterization, and swelling. For procedures involving conjunctival incisions, placement of phenylephrine drops 10-20 min prior can reduce bleeding and hemorrhage risk.