404 CHAPTER 57. 



tliat tlie cornea is lacerated and penetrated, there is but little chance of 

 a, cure, l)ecause the retractor oculi muscle acts so strongly, that the lens 

 is usually forced out. 



Common Ophthalmia, that is, inflammation of the conjunctival mem- 

 brane, often accompanies catarrh and influenza and also dentition. In 

 these cases however the affection is only sympathetic and subsides with 

 the primary disease. The inflammation of the membrane is only an 

 extension of the inflammation previously existing in the neighbouring 

 mucous membrane of the nose or gimis. 



Inflammation of the conjunctival membrane seldom appears as a sepa- 

 rate disease. When it cannot be traced either to some external injury 

 or to sympathy with a previously existing affection, such as catarrh or 

 influenza, it should be looked upon with gi'eat suspicion lest it should 

 be the prelude of specific ophthalmia. 



In common ophthalmia the cornea from the effect of the inflammation 

 sometimes appears blue, but in other cases it remains clear and bright. 

 The size of the pupil, it is to be particularly remarked, is seldom dimin- 

 ished, whilst in the specific disease this symptom is always present. 

 Again, in common ophthalmia there is a state of general suffusion and 

 redness about the cornea ; whilst in the specific disease the vessels which 

 traverse the palpebral portion of the conjunctival membrane investing 

 the cornea take a circular direction round it with ramifications proceed- 

 ing towards its centre. 



842. Treatment of common ophthalmia. 



The treatment of common ophthalmia, when it arises from slight ex- 

 ternal injuries, is simple. If due to the presence of a foreign agent this 

 must be removed in the manner before directed. The patient should be 

 placed in a diminished light, and his head should be tied up to the rack 

 to prevent his rubbing his eye against the manger. This position also 

 will accelerate the return of the blood from the part affected, and retard 

 its upward flow. In the early stage fomentations of warm water are 

 desirable, but as soon as the active inflammation has subsided, cold water 

 dressings should be substituted. The parts will need bracing up in order 

 to restore their usual healthy tone. The eye should be shaded by a 

 single fold of softest linen suspended from the brow band, and kept con- 

 stantly wet with cold water. It should be taken off at night, or it will 

 get dry and irritate the eye. If feverish symptoms appear, an alterative 

 or cathartic dose will be advisable. These simple remedies will generally 

 be found sufficient. 



For severe injuries, such as those mentioned in the preceding para- 

 graph, little more can be done than to place nature in the most favourable 

 condition to exert her restorative powers. It is sometimes desirable to 

 abstract blood from the angular vein. The treatment of the external 

 laceration or injui-y, as distinct from its effect on the eye, is the same as 

 that of any other laceration or injury. 



Any very severe injury of the cornea or parts in its neighbourhood, 

 whether arising from a blow or from irritation produced by a foreign 



