CH&PTE® X. 



DISEASES OF THE EYE. 



OPHTHazMia. 



The conjunctiva is the mucous membrane of the eye. It lines the inner 

 surface of the eyelids, is returned and forms a covering to the exposed 

 part of the eyeball. This membrane is subject to inflammation to which 

 the name ophthalmia is given. 



Causation . —Many causes can be assigned for the disease under consid- 

 eration. Local irritation as injuries from scratches and blows, or foreign 

 particles becoming lodged in the eye; disorders of digestion; cold and 

 damp; inverted eyelashes; and various derangements of the general 

 health are among the more prominent causes. 



The disease may be induced by a close, damp atmosphere, saturated with 

 animal vapor, such as may be noticed in stables improperly ventilated 

 and neglected. 



Certain forms of ophthalmia are both capable of being produced by 

 contact with the purulent secretion, and by exposure to floating particles 

 of pus in tainted air. As an instance, dogs may be kept in adjoining ken- 

 nels with no possibility of direct communication by actual contact, and 

 yet the atmosphere may convey impurities and the disease be transmitted. 

 Symptoms.— -In common or catarrhal ophthalmia the symptoms are at 

 first an intolerance of light, and a flow of tears on exposure of the eye, 

 followed by a thin purulent discharge, which in severe cases becomes 

 thick and possibly contagious. 



The conjunctiva changes to bright scarlet red; more or less pain is pres- 

 ent, and considerable difficulty will be encountered in making an exami- 

 nation. As a rule no constitutional symptoms are associated. 



In purulent ophthalmia the inflammation is violent from the first, and a 

 thick purulent discharge soon appears, often the commencement of the 

 disease. The conjunctiva becomes intensely red; the eyelids swell and 

 are glued together, confining the purulent secretion, and rendering con- 

 stant local applications more urgent. 



