DISEASES OF THE EYELIDS. 113 



FUNGUS H-EMATODES. 



The tumour is at first rounded, soft, smooth, elastic, free from 

 pain and tenderness : it grows rapidly, and becomes blended with sur- 

 rounded tissues. When the tumour is enlarged, the skin becomes 

 livid, and the veins distinct and tortuous. The pain is aching and 

 throbbing, but not so severe as that of cancer. Ulceration takes 

 place, a grumous fluid discharges, and a rapidly increasing fungus 

 grows from the aperture. This fungus is of a dark red colour, is 

 extremely vascular, and easily bleeds. The constitution is rapidly 

 undermined, and hectic and death soon occur. 



Upon dissection, the tumour presents different appearances from 

 that of cancer. It consists of a soft pulpy matter resembling brain, 

 which is often termed medullary. In the midst of this are cysts 

 filled with coagulated blood and pus. It is distinguished from cancer 

 by occurring amongst children and young persons, by its consistence, 

 and by its attacking internal organs, such as the brain, liver, kidneys, 

 spleen, &c. 



Treatment. — There never can be a radical cure : death must be 

 the result, sooner or later. All remedies should be directed to the 

 general health, with a view to palliation of symptoms. 



AFFECTIONS OF THE EYE. 



DISEASES or THE EYELIDS. 



Hordeolum^ or stye, is a small painful boil, originating in the 

 sebaceous follicles at the root of the eyelash. It is caused most 

 frequently by derangement of the stomach : a scrofulous constitution 

 predisposes to them. Treatment, — Cold applications and nitrate of 

 silver may arrest it ; generally it requires poultices, and puncturing. 



Ophthalmia Tarsi. — This is a chronic inflammation of the edges 

 of the eyelids. In adults the form is catarrhal, in children scrofulous. 

 The edges are swollen and red; the eyelashes loaded with meibo- 

 mian secretion; and the lids are glued together in the morning. 

 There is itching, smarting, and a sensation of stifliiess. When the 

 disease is of long standing, the eyelashes fall out, and the new ones 

 are misdirected, and irritate the conjunctiva. It may be the result 

 of catarrhal ophthalmia, or be produced by cold and damp air, or in- 

 temperance. In children it may result from eruptive diseases. 



Treatment. — Alteratives, laxatives, and tonics. The state of the 

 skin requires attention. Fomentation will remove the incrustations. 

 Loose and misdirected eyelashes are to be removed. An ointment 

 composed of gr. x. of red precip. and an ^ ounce of cerate is to be 

 carefully applied at night ; and in the morning the lids are to be 

 bathed with tepid water, and not separated forcibly. In inveterate 

 cases, sulphate of copper and nitrate of silver may be applied to the 

 edges, and blisters placed behind the ears. 



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