CHAPTER XVIII 



PARASITES OF THE EYE 



Parasites of the Eyelids. — The eyelids are subject 

 to the invasion of various parasites as follows: 



Pediculi {Lice). — These are often seen along the 

 margin of the Hds when present on other portions of 

 the body. 



The eggs are found embedded or deposited near the 

 lashes, and are often covered with crusts resulting from 

 the secretion caused by their irritation. They produce 

 a marginal blepharitis. The crusts should be softened 

 with the yellow oxid of mercury ointment and removed. 

 A piece of absorbent cotton, dipped in absolute alcohol 

 and gently rubbed over the hds, will catch and remove 

 the hce and their eggs. 



The Filaria palpebralis, discovered as early as 1429 

 on the conjunctiva of the horse, is a cylindroid worm, 

 8 to 15 mm. long, and thin at the extremities. 



The presence of this parasite causes an inflammation, 

 varying from a slight to a severe conjunctivitis, with 

 swollen and painful lids. 



Law mentions a case in which ''the lids were firmly 

 closed, the flow of tears abundant; the cornea was vas- 



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