Chemosis

Chemosis is the swelling (or edema) of the conjunctiva (the lining of the white of the eye). The term derives from Ancient Greek: χήμη, romanized: khḗmē, meaning 'cockleshell', due to the swollen conjunctiva resembling it, and -osis, meaning 'condition or disorder'. The swelling is due to the oozing of exudate 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 iris has moved slightly backwards from the white part of the eye, due to the builup of fluid in the conjunctiva. The iris is not covered by the conjunctiva, and so it appears to be moved slightly inwards.