GLASS-EYE, ETC. 139 



In cataract with ophthalmia the iris frequently becomes 

 contracted and adheres to the capsule of the lens, thus 

 causing a permanently small pupil. 



Remedy. — Extraction by operation. Belladonna or at- 

 rophine dilate the pupil for diagnosis (distinguishment), 

 alternated with physostygmine for obtaining free move- 

 ment of iris. Phosphoreted oil, instilled into human eye, 

 if borne, leads to final absorption. 



For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 



Green Cataract (Glaucoma), is opacity of the vitre- 

 ous humor (glass-like fluid) of the eye. Incurable. Cut- 

 ting out (iridectomy) affords relief. Physostygmine dimin- 

 ishes intraocular pressure (pressure within the eye). 



AMAUROSIS OR GUTTA SERENA (GLASS- 

 EYE), 



Is caused by paralysis of the optic nerve and retina. 

 There may be many causes of the paralysis, such as dis- 

 eases of remote as well as contiguous parts, excessive bleed- 

 ing, narcotic poisons, drinking too much cold water when 

 heated, pressure from a tumor, &c. There is no visible 

 defect in the eye — nothing abnormal except its great bril- 

 liancy, from which it takes its name. 



Symptoms,, — Head and ears erect, the latter set in 

 motion to learn the cause of any alarming noise; lofty 

 step; eyes insensible to light; pupils usually fixed and 

 widely dilated ; sometimes there is a sluggish motion and 

 only moderate dilatation, &c. 



Remedy — Except when depending on brain disorder 

 or debility, it is incurable. Blisters; setons around or- 

 bit. Strychnine in traumatic (wound) cases 5 also those 

 of nerve wasting, but unsuitable where there are brain 

 symptoms. For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 



