62 CAUSES, SYMPTOMS ANt) TREATMEN'T OF 



DISEASES^OF THE EYE. 



Simple Opiithalmia, Conjunctivitis, Tranmatic Oplitlialmia.— 



The first name is to distinguish it from periodic ophthalmia. It is 

 inflammation of the conjunctiva, and the term expresses the pathology. 

 It is more or less inflammation of the superficial structures of the eje, 

 and may affect the cornea. Periodic ophthalmia first affects the internal 

 structure, and extends outward. 



Causes. — Result of direct pr indirect injury — injury to the orbital pro- 

 cess without any direct injury to the eye May set up inflammatory 

 action and extend to the eye ; or, from wjiip lash, grain of sand, hay 

 seed, which the membrana nictitans does not remove. It may be pro- 

 duced by extreme cold, or extreme heat and sunshine, or extreme foul 

 air. Extremely dark stables may also produce periodic ophthalmia and 

 amaurosis. It may occur in an enzootic form, If it so occurs, it is 

 generally due to very hot weather. Direct or indirect injury is the most 

 frequent cause. 



Symptoms. — There may be partial or complete closure of the eye, 

 according to the cause ; a copious secretion of the tears from over-stimu- 

 lation of the lachrymal apparatus ; too copious to pass through the 

 lachrymal duct, the eye becomes sw^ollen. The upper eye-lid may present 

 a greatly irritated appearance. Exposure to the light reddens tbe con- 

 junctiva These are followed by more or less exudation bet\veen the 

 layers of the cornea If caused from injury, this exudation takes place 

 from the seat of injury. It is not due to a film, but due to an exudation 

 between the layers of the cornea. In some cases tbere is some constitu 

 tional disturbance. Pulse increased just a few beats, but it is not a 

 general thing. Tbe eye presents an irritated appearance very quickly, 

 and is sunken in its socket. The inflammatory action is more aggravated 

 than in periodic ophthalmia. 



Treatment. — If you think it is conjunctivitis, make a very careful 

 examination. There is no great difference between this and periodic 

 ophthalmia. Endeavour to detect the cause and remove it, or other 

 remedies will be of no benefit. You may be able to remove it with a 

 feather or handkerchief, and you may have to use forceps. When the 

 source of irritation is removed, the irritation generally ceases, but you 

 may hasten resolution to a certain extent. If standing in stable, with 

 cattle, etc., remove the animal. Apply fomentation to the eye, and keep 

 tip for some time ; place the animal in a darkened box. If suffering to 

 any great extent use an anodyne liniment, laudanum water and a little 

 sulphate of zinc, and a little acetate of lead might be added, but it is not 

 to be used in all cases, and belladonna is better in some cases than 

 laudanum, especially if there is a tendency to inflammation of the iris, 

 for it has a peculiar effect upon the iris, and may prevent adhesion. 

 Use atropine, two or three grains to a quart of distilled water, or you 

 put a small particle of it in the eye. This will relieve most cases, but 

 there may be some irtication left, although you have removed the cause, 

 and there may be small ulcerated spots upon the eye, and it may be 

 necessary to use a solution of nitrate of silver, five grains to an ounce ot 

 water, or even ten grains to an ounce of water. You may apply it by 

 means of a fuiall syringe, camel's hair brush or feather. Just touch the 

 ulcerated spots, to stimulate and bring on a healthy action. 



In cases where the cornea is ulcerated, and even a fungus growth, you 

 may have to touch it with a pencil of nitrate of silver. Y'ou may use 

 iodide of potassium ; but there is no use for very powerful remedies. In 

 almost all cases of inflammation of the eye, there is a tendency to the 



