162 DISEASES OF THE EYE, &c. 



DISEASES OF THE EYE. 



The diseases of the eye constitute a very important, but a most unsatisfactory 

 division of our work, for the maladies of this organ, although few in number, are 

 frequent in their appearance. They are sadly obstinate, and often baffle all skill. 



We have spoken of FRACTURE of the orbit, and its treatment. Occasionally a 

 wound is inflicted by a passionate or careless servant. The eye itself is rarely 

 injured. It is placed on a mass of fat, and it turns most readily, and the prong 

 of the fork glances off; but the substance round the eye may be deeply 

 wounded, and very considerable inflammation may ensue. This should be 

 abated by poultices, and bleeding, and physic ; but no probe should be used 

 under the foolish idea of ascertaining the depth of the wound in the lid, sup- 

 posing that there should be one, for, from the constant motion of the eye, it is 

 almost impossible to pass the probe into the original wound, and the effort to 

 accomplish it would give a great deal of pain, and increase the inflammation. 



The eyelids are subject to occasional inflammation from blows or other 

 injuries. Fomentation with warm water will be serviceable here. 



The horse has occasionally a scaly eruption on the edges of the eyelids, 

 attended with great itching, in the effort to allay which, by rubbing the part, 

 the eye may be blemished. The nitrated ointment of quicksilver, mixed with 

 an equal quantity of lard, may be slightly rubbed on the edges of the lids with 

 considerable good effect. 



The eyelids will sometimes become cedematous. Horses that are fed in low 

 and humid pastures are subject to this. It is also the consequence of inflam- 

 mation badly treated. The eyelids are composed of a lax structure, and the 

 tissue is somewhat deficient in vitality hence this disposition to enfiltration. 

 Sometimes the collection of fluid accumulates so rapidly, and so extensively, 

 that the eyes are closed. They should be well bathed with warm water mingled 

 with an aromatic tincture. The cellular substance of the lids will thus be dis- 

 posed to contract on their contents and cause their absorption. 



Old carriage horses are subject to this cedema ; and it frequently accompanies 

 both chronic and common ophthalmia. 



Weakness and dropping of the upper lid is caused by diminution or loss of 

 power in its muscles. Dry frictions and aromatic lotions will frequently restore 

 the tone of the parts. 



The eyelids are subject to occasional injury from their situation and office. 

 In small incised wounds of them great care should be taken that the divided 

 edges unite by the first intention. This will hasten the cure, and prevent 

 deformity. If any of the muscles are divided, it is usually the ciliary or orbi- 

 cularis palpebrarum. This lesion must be healed, if possible, by the first inten- 

 tion, and either by means of adhesive plaster or the suture. The suture is pro- 

 bably the preferable agent. 



Suppurating wounds in the eyelids may be the consequence of the necessary 

 abstraction of a considerable surface of the skin in the removal of warts or 

 tumours. The principal thing to be attended to is the frequent removal of the 

 pus by means of tow or cotton wool. The rest may generally be left to nature. 



Inversion of the lids is of very rare occurrence in the horse. 



Warts are sometimes attached to the edges of the lids, and are a source of 

 great irritation. When rubbed they bleed, and the common opinion is true 

 that they are propagated by the blood. They should be taken off with a sharp 

 pair of scissors, and their roots touched with the lunar caustic. 



The membrane which covers the Haw is subject to inflammation. It is, 

 indeed, a continuation of the conjunctiva, the inflammation of which consti- 

 tutes ophthalmia. An account of this inflammation will be better post- 



