DISEASES OF THE LIDS 43 



The general symptoms of purulent inflammation 

 accompany it — edema, induration, swelling, pain, and 

 tenderness on pressure. The swelhng is so intense as to 

 completely close the hd. The pus is diffused through the 

 tissues, and gangrenous destruction of the tissues may 

 result. This is followed, in the process of healing, by 

 cicatrices, which interfere with the closure of the lid or 

 produce ectropion. Both lids are often affected. 



Treatment, — As soon as one can determine the pres- 

 ence of pus, a free opening should be made and drainage 

 estabHshed, hot bichlorid compresses appHed, and every 

 effort made to get the best results and prevent as httle 

 deformity as possible in the process of heaHng. Co- 

 existing conditions should always be sought for and 

 promptly treated. 



Trichiasis.— This is an abnormal position of the 

 eyelashes. They grow inward or backward toward the 

 globe, instead of outward. It is often caused by con- 

 traction of the inner surface of the eyehd from diseases 

 of the conjunctiva and tarsus. It produces great irrita- 

 tion of the cornea by constantly scratching it in the act 

 of winking. If this irritation continues, inflammation 

 and opacity of the cornea may follow. 



Treatment.— 1( only a few lashes turn inward they may 

 be extracted with a pair of forceps. This operation 

 must be repeated at regular" intervals, for the short 

 stubby lashes that grow again cause more irritation 

 than the long silky ones. The hair-folHcles may be 



