ADHESIONS OF THE EYELIDS 505 



unless some abnormality is present. Adhesions form between 

 the margins of the lids which may be partial or complete 

 (ankyloblepharon), or betw r een the eyelids and the eyeball, 

 the margins of the lids being free (symblepharon). 



Ankyloblepharon. In complete ankyloblepharon the pal- 

 pebral fissure has entirely disappeared. An incomplete 

 closure of the palpebral fissure is known as blepharophimosis. 

 This condition> as a rule, is congenital, and is found in the 

 dog and cat. It is diagnosed readily. A sufficient time should 

 be allowed (ten to eighteen days) for the normal adhesions 

 to disappear. Very often there will be found a small line or 

 groove at the point where the opening should be. 



Treatment. A small opening is made through the lid at 

 the outer canthus, a grooved director inserted and the incision 

 carried clear across to the inner canthus. The after-treatment 

 consists in washing the eyes with a boric acid solution (2 per 

 cent), and applying vaseline to the lid margins to prevent 

 further adhesions. 



In blepharophimosis there is a narrowing of the palpebral 

 fissure which makes the eye appear much smaller than normal. 

 It is often associated with trichiasis or entropion. To correct 

 it the palpebral opening should be enlarged at the external 

 canthus, and the skin sutured back both on the upper and 

 lower lids to prevent adhesions. This operation will also 

 correct trichiasis or entropion if either should be present. 

 Keep the wound clean and apply a mild ointment to the 

 recently incised margins. 



Symblepharon. This is an adhesion of the eyelids to the 

 eyeball, and has been observed in dogs and cats. The 

 majority of cases are congenital. Occasionally an acquired 

 symblepharon is found due to adhesions following destruction 

 of the conjunctiva! membrane during the course of distemper. 

 An examination of the eye will at once reveal the condition. 

 The lids cannot be everted and are found adherent to the 

 eyeball. 



Treatment. Separation of the lid from the eyeball is pos- 

 sible. The animal should be anesthetized. The lids are 

 carefully separated so that the eyeball is left intact. The 

 operation can be done satisfactorily with a fine pair of 



