EYES, DISEASES OF. 163 



more derang-ed in this disease, and yet recover again, than in 

 any other; for, after an extensive ulceration has formed, and 

 excluded nearly all vision ; when the distemper leaves the 

 animal, the eye gradually clears itself, and no vestige of the 

 disease remains behind. 



The proper treatment, therefore, in such cases is, to attend 

 principally to the distemper ; for, as before observed, when 

 that amends, the eye will do the same. However, it will be 

 prudent to check the devastation from proceeding-, by a seton 

 in the neck, by fomentations of poppy heads, when the eye 

 is very much irritated and inflamed : or by the use of the 

 lead wash prescribed below, in the beginning ; and by the 

 sulphuric ones that follow, as the disease advances. 



Another spurious kind of ophthalmia (the effect of distem- 

 per also), but altogether distinct from the one already de- 

 scribed, is not uncommon. This bastard ophthalmia occurs 

 very early in the complaint. The eyes look red, the con- 

 junctive membrane is more than usually vascular, but the 

 transparent not very opaque, and there is invariably present 

 an impatience of lig-ht. — See Distemper. 



In the idiopathic or true ophthalmia, the eyes become 

 suddenly weak, water much, and, if viewed in the light, 

 look red at the bottom, and within the eyelids also. There 

 is usually at the first not much opacity of the cornea ; but it 

 soon comes on, and extends over the whole surface, seldom, 

 however, proceeding to ulceration. There are always marks 

 of pain, irritation, and impatience of light. 



The treatment should be begun by bleeding. Afterwards 

 insert a seton in the neck, and give, every third day, a pur- 

 o-ative. As long as the irritation is extreme, foment the eyes 

 with a poppy head fomentation ; use also the following as a 

 wash frequently : — 



Superacetate of lead (sugar of lead) half a dram 



Rose water 6ounces. 



When the inflammation is somewhat moderated, use the 

 following : — 



