What is "chemosis"

Chemosis \Che*mo"sis\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ? a swelling of the cornea resembling a cockleshell, fr. ? a gaping, hence a cockleshell.] (Med.) Inflammatory swelling of the conjunctival tissue surrounding the cornea. -- Che*mot"ic, a.

n. (context medicine English) A chemically-induced swelling of the mucous membrane of the eye

n. edema of the mucous membrane of the eyeball and eyelid lining

Chemosis is the swelling (or edema) of the conjunctiva. It is due to exudation from abnormally permeable capillaries. In general, chemosis is a nonspecific sign of eye irritation. The outer surface covering appears to have fluid in it. The conjunctiva becomes swollen and gelatinous in appearance. Often, the eye area swells so much that the eyes become difficult or impossible to close fully. Sometimes, it may also appear as if the eyeball has moved slightly backwards from the white part of the eye due to the fluid filled in the conjunctiva all over the eyes except the iris.The iris is not covered by this fluid and so it appears to be moved slightly inwards.