Swelling of the White of the Eye
Seeing the white part of the eye swell up and look like jelly can be alarming. People often notice puffiness, a jelly-like bump, or even a blister appearance on the eye. This usually happens when fluid builds up under the thin membrane covering the white of the eye.
The most common causes of a jelly-like swelling in the white part of the eye are allergies, infections like conjunctivitis, and irritation or injury. Other possible reasons include surgery, underlying health issues, or exposure to chemicals. Recognizing these causes quickly helps people know when to get medical care.
Definition of Symptom
When the white part of the eye looks swollen and jelly-like, fluid has built up in the thin covering over the eye. This clear layer is called the conjunctiva. When chemosis occurs, the conjunctiva gets puffy and may look like a blister or bubble on the white surface of the eye. The eye can become red, watery, or irritated. The swelling may look clear, pink, or red. Some people may notice discomfort or feel like something is stuck in their eye.
Key Features of Chemosis
- Swelling of the conjunctiva.
- Soft, jelly-like look to the white area.
- May cover parts of the eye that are normally smooth.
Chemosis can make the eyes look puffy or swollen. Sometimes, the swelling may be so severe that the eyelids cannot close properly. Allergies, irritants, infections, or injury most often cause this eye swelling. The swelling is usually not dangerous, but people should ask a doctor to check it if it does not improve.
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| Conjunctiva | Clear membrane over the white of the eye. |
| Chemosis | Swelling of the conjunctiva with a jelly-like appearance. |
| Eye swelling | Puffy, irritated, or fluid-filled white part of the eye. |
Possible Causes/Diseases Condition
Chemosis often causes a jelly-like swelling in the white part of the eye. Fluid builds up in the conjunctiva, the thin membrane that covers the white part of the eye, making the eye look puffy or blistered. Common causes include:
- Allergies: Allergic reactions lead to swelling, itching, and redness when triggered by pollen, pet dander, or dust.
- Conjunctivitis: Both allergic and bacterial conjunctivitis can make the conjunctiva swell, often causing redness, discharge, and irritation.
- Eye Infection: Bacteria or viruses can infect the eye, leading to swelling, a gritty feeling, or discharge.
- Thyroid Eye Disease (TED): TED affects tissues around the eyes, sometimes causing swelling of the conjunctiva and eyelids.
- Physical Irritation: Rubbing the eyes, trauma, or contact with chemicals can irritate the conjunctiva and cause swelling.
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Swelling due to immune system reaction; often itchy, watery eyes. |
| Allergic conjunctivitis | Allergy-based infection with redness, swelling, and tearing. |
| Bacterial conjunctivitis | Caused by bacteria; may have yellow or greenish discharge and pain. |
| Eye infection | Swelling from viral or bacterial invasion, can occur with other symptoms. |
| Thyroid Eye Disease | Swelling from autoimmune attack on tissues around the eye. |
| Physical irritation | Results from rubbing, foreign bodies, or chemical exposure. |
Mild chemosis may clear up on its own, but treatment depends on the underlying cause.
Other Non-Disease Causes
Swelling in the white part of the eye that looks jelly-like can happen for reasons not related to diseases.
- Allergies often cause swelling, redness, and itching when someone is exposed to dust, pollen, or pet dander. The swelling can appear as a jelly-like bump because of fluid buildup.
- Eye irritation can lead to swelling from rubbing the eyes too hard, getting soap or chemicals in the eyes, or wearing contact lenses for too long. These actions can make the conjunctiva puffy and swollen.
- Cosmetic eye procedures like eyelid surgery may cause temporary swelling in the white of the eye. During recovery, some people experience mild to moderate fluid buildup that goes away as the eye heals.
- Environmental factors such as smoke, wind, or extreme dryness can trigger irritation and eye swelling. Avoiding these irritants often helps the swelling improve.
| Cause | Common Triggers | How It Feels or Looks |
|---|---|---|
| Allergies | Pollen, dust, pets | Red, itchy, puffy |
| Eye irritation | Rubbing, chemicals | Swollen, sometimes gooey |
| Cosmetic procedures | Eyelid surgery | Mild swelling, soft bulge |
| Environmental factors | Wind, smoke, dry air | Puffy, watery |
How It Causes the Symptom
The white part of the eye, called the sclera, is covered by a thin layer named the conjunctiva. When this layer gets irritated or inflamed, it can swell and look jelly-like. Fluid builds up under the conjunctiva when this happens. Common causes of this swelling include:
- Allergies: Pollen, dust, and pet dander can trigger a reaction that leads to swelling.
- Infections: Viruses or bacteria can cause irritation and fluid buildup.
- Injury or Irritation: Rubbing the eyes or getting something in the eye can also cause swelling.
When the conjunctiva swells, it puffs up and forms a blister-like appearance. The swollen tissue may look clear, pink, or red, and sometimes covers the white part of the eye like a cushion.
How It Happens
- The immune system responds to a trigger (like an allergen or infection).
- Chemicals in the body make blood vessels leak fluid.
- Fluid gets trapped under the conjunctiva, causing the jelly-like swelling.
The swelling can make the eye feel sore, itchy, or watery. Blinking may not close the eyelids fully because of the puffy tissue.
Possible Complications
Swelling in the white part of the eye can sometimes lead to further problems if not treated. Too much swelling may press on the cornea, making vision blurry or causing discomfort when blinking. If an infection causes the swelling, the infection can spread. Watch for pain, more redness, or worsening swelling. Common complications can include:
- Blurred vision
- Eye pain
- Light sensitivity
- Increased tearing
- Redness of the white part
| Complication | What Can Happen |
|---|---|
| Blurred vision | Trouble seeing clearly |
| Infection spread | More redness, pus, or swelling |
| Eye discomfort | Pain or trouble blinking |
Untreated swelling may also cause scar tissue on the eye’s surface. In rare cases, swelling could signal a more serious condition like thyroid eye disease or a strong allergic reaction that needs quick medical help.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If the white part of the eye looks swollen like jelly, watch for certain warning signs. Some situations need a doctor’s care. Seek medical help if:
- Vision becomes blurred or lost.
- The swelling gets worse or does not improve.
- Severe pain develops in or around the eye.
- Pus, thick yellow or green discharge appears.
- Fever or chills develop.
Other symptoms to watch for include redness, light sensitivity, and the feeling that something is stuck in the eye. People with a weak immune system, existing eye diseases, or recent eye surgery should contact a healthcare professional right away. A table of urgent symptoms:
| Symptom | Action |
|---|---|
| Sudden vision change | Get emergency help |
| Severe or growing swelling | Call a health provider |
| Signs of infection (pus, fever) | See a doctor soon |
| Eye injury or trauma | Immediate medical attention |
If someone is not sure whether symptoms are serious, it’s best to call a doctor for advice. Prompt care is safest with any sudden or severe eye changes.
