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Suggest Remedy For Red And Swollen Eyes

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Posted on Wed, 18 Mar 2015
Question: My son rubbed his eye hard and when I got him to stop it was swollen and red, but the concerning part was what appears to be a thin layer of opaque/pink skin that reaches from the outer corners of his eye, covers the white part of his eye and and depending on which way he looks covers his retina. We are in an ice storm so driving him to the ER poses substantial risks but it's his eye, so if he needs to go we will. I'm very confused as to what this is and whether it needs immediate treatment.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dadapeer K (26 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
This can be simple chemosis of conjunctiva.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to Health care magic

I am Dr. DADAPEER K, an Ophthalmologist and I answer health problems related to eye.

I reviewed your history.
It seems from the history that your son is having redness and swelling of the eye following rubbing his eye.
Most probably there will be chemosis and edema of the conjunctiva covering the cornea. If this is present then no need to be worried. This will resolve spontaneously. The use of decongestant and artificial tears will provide symptomatic relief.
You are right in worrying as this is related to eye and this needs to be confirmed. Hence if possible do send a photo of the affected eye so that I can confirm the diagnosis and advice you accordingly.


Hope I have answered your question and the information is helpful to you.
Do write back to me for further questions.

Thank you
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dadapeer K (5 minutes later)
I didnt fully understand your answer but ive attached photos. The redness doesnt concern me as much as what i can best describe as a flap of skin from under his eye lids appears to be covering part of his rye and has a jagged edge. In the 2nd pic you can see part of it covering part of his retina .
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dadapeer K (12 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
This is chemosis of conjunctiva, no need to be worried.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thank you for the follow up question.

I saw the photos attached with the question.
The photos show edema and swelling of the conjunctiva probably caused by rubbing of the eyes. This is called as chemosis. Since the conjunctiva is swollen and loose a part of it is covering black portion of the eye (cornea).
This black portion of the eye is called as cornea and not retina.

No need to be worried. This will resolve slowly and going to ER is not required. If this does not resolve and if there are symptoms like watering, discharge and pain in the eye then you need to consult your doctor.
Applying cold compression over closed eyelids will be helpful.

Hope I have answered your question and the information is helpful to you.
Do write back to me for further questions.

Thank you
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dadapeer K

Ophthalmologist

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 5709 Questions

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Suggest Remedy For Red And Swollen Eyes

Brief Answer: This can be simple chemosis of conjunctiva. Detailed Answer: Hello Welcome to Health care magic I am Dr. DADAPEER K, an Ophthalmologist and I answer health problems related to eye. I reviewed your history. It seems from the history that your son is having redness and swelling of the eye following rubbing his eye. Most probably there will be chemosis and edema of the conjunctiva covering the cornea. If this is present then no need to be worried. This will resolve spontaneously. The use of decongestant and artificial tears will provide symptomatic relief. You are right in worrying as this is related to eye and this needs to be confirmed. Hence if possible do send a photo of the affected eye so that I can confirm the diagnosis and advice you accordingly. Hope I have answered your question and the information is helpful to you. Do write back to me for further questions. Thank you