DISEASES OF THE CORNEA loi 



ments may be few or numerous. They undergo mucoid 

 degeneration, and after one crop disappears, in a few 

 days fresh crops appear. 



Treatment. — As the disease occurs in debihtated sub- 

 jects, tonic treatment as well as local should be used. 

 Mild antiseptic and astringent washes and protection 

 are sufficient in the majority of cases. 



Desiccation Keratitis. — This is caused by want of 

 proper lubrication and protection, by failure of the Hd 

 to cover the corneal surface, due to paralysis of the 

 orbicularis palpebrarum muscle, to extreme exophthal- 

 mus or ectropion. The condition is confined to the 

 superficial layers, though in neglected cases the deep 

 layers become involved, including the iris and cihary 

 body. 



Treatment. — When the muscle is paralyzed, the lids 

 can be brought together and retained in that position 

 by the. aid of adhesive plaster. This affords the natural 

 moisture to the cornea, and with proper stimulating 

 ointments the advancement of the disease can be 

 aborted. In the case of extreme exophthalmus very 

 little can be done except to treat the cause of the 

 proptosis and apply lubricating ointments and oils to 

 prevent the cornea from becoming dry. Ectropion 

 must be treated surgically. 



Neuroparalytic Keratitis. — This is much like desicca- 

 tion keratitis, except that the former is due to want of 

 protection, while the latter is due to insensibility of the 



