chemosis /kimō″sis/ [Gk, cheme, cockle, osis, condition] , an abnormal edematous swelling of the mucous membrane covering the eyeball and lining the eyelids. Usually the result of local trauma or infection, chemosis may also occur in acute conjunctivitis. Obstruction of normal lymph flow, such as might result from growth of a tumor within the eye socket, may less commonly cause chemosis. Systemic disorders, such as angioneurotic edema, anemia, and Bright’s disease, may also cause the condition. Also called conjunctival edema.
