FOREIGN BODIES AND WOUNDS OF THE CORNEA 535 



abscesses are present, the curvature of the cornea becomes 

 stronger, sometimes cone-shaped. Conjunctivitis, conges- 

 tion of the episcleral bloodvessels, and profuse lacrimation 

 accompany the abscess. 



Course. Most cases require several weeks for complete 

 recovery. As a rule the abscess ruptures outwardly; occa- 

 sionally inwardly, discharging the pus into the anterior 

 chamber causing hypopyon and in some cases suppurative 

 panophthalmitis. Corneal ulcer may result from the abscess. 



Prognosis. On account of the danger of serious complica- 

 tions, the prognosis should be guarded. It is possible for 

 the corneal abscess to heal without trace. 



Treatment. To remove surface infection warm, antiseptic 

 solutions (boric acid, 2 per cent.; ichthyol, 3 per cent.) may 

 be used. Pain is controlled by cocain, stovain, alypin or 

 codrenin. The abscess may be opened under strict antiseptic 

 precautions and the cavity treated with protargol solution 

 (5 per cent.). Treatment should be made daily. 



Keratitis Neuroparalytica. Definition. A rare affection in 

 animals due to a paralysis of nerves (trigeminal, ciliary) lead- 

 ing to undue exposure of the cornea. (See larger works.) 



Keratitis from Lagophthalmus. Definition. An inflam- 

 mation of the cornea resulting from incomplete closing of the 

 eyelids. The portions of the cornea not protected by the 

 lid become dry, opaque, and ulcerated. Hypopyon, iritis 

 and panophthalmitis frequently result. 



Treatment. Besides keeping the parts lubricated with 

 glycerized antiseptics nothing can be done. 



FOREIGN BODIES AND WOUNDS OF THE CORNEA. 



Foreign bodies frequently enter the eyes of animals. Occa- 

 sionally they become imbedded producing usually infected 

 wounds of the cornea. Wounds also result from bites or 

 scratches of other animals. 



Symptoms. The symptoms of lacrimation, photophobia 

 and pain develop suddenly following the injury. The 

 examination of the eye should be made thorough, everting 

 the lids and nictating membrane, in order that foreign 

 bodies will not be overlooked. 



