102 OPHTHALMOLOGY FOR VETERINARIANS 



cornea and adjacent structures by reason of disease of 

 the fifth nerve. The cornea is not sensitive to the 

 presence of dust and foreign bodies, the reflex secretion 

 of the lacrimal gland is interfered with, and the act of 

 winking is lessened in frequency; hence the cornea 

 becomes dry, the epithelium eroded and subjected to 

 the lodgment and growth of destructive bacteria, and 

 loss of substance through ulceration is the result. 



Treatment. — The treatment in this condition is 

 obvious. Protection of the cornea is the principal 

 indication, with the continuous use of antiseptic oint- 

 ments. If ulceration has taken place the general treat- 

 ment of ulcers and protection must be employed. The 

 cause of the diseased nerve must also be looked for and 

 treated. 



Keratomalacia or Xerosis of the Cornea. — This is due 

 to dryness of the cornea in conjunction with xerosis of 

 the conjunctiva, under which head it is described. 



Staphyloma of the Cornea. — This is a protuberance 

 of the cornea produced by ulceration, perforation, and 

 prolapse of the iris. It may be partial or complete; and 

 in shape conic or hemispheric. The spheric form is 

 more frequent, and includes a general bulging of the 

 cornea, forming a sharp outline from the scleral margin. 

 The wall of the staphyloma becomes very thin in places, 

 showing the iris pigment, giving it the appearance of a 

 bluish grape. In other instances the wall is thick and 

 appears white or opalescent. Numerous blood-vessels 



