Diseases of tJie Eyes and Ears. 223 



iiess of the pupil, which may have been observed in the 

 early stages, have now passed away. The pupil is dilated, 

 the eyelids are also widely apart, the strongest light may 

 be thrown upon the organ, but it remains motionless, 

 bright, clear, and reflecting from the posterior surface of 

 the rays as they fall upon it. Only one eye may be 

 affected at the outset, but as a rule both become diseased 

 eventually. Generally both are implicated from the 

 beginning. 



Treatmefit is most unsatisfactory, except in very slight 

 cases, and when the disease has been attacked in the 

 earliest stages. The approved remedies are blisters or 

 setons behind the head ; the former may be rubbed in 

 around the orbits, or strong ointment or liniment of 

 iodine may be substituted. As the nervous system is 

 greatly at fault, nux vomica or strychnine may prove 

 useful, in conjunction with nutritious and easily digested 

 food, fresh air, and other stimuli of healthy function. 



Staphyloma, so-called from its resemblance to a grape, 

 is the result of ulceration of the cornea, an accompani- 

 ment of simple ophthalmia associated with distemper. A 

 circular depression on the outer surface is first formed, 

 and shortly, as a result of pressure from within, the in- 

 ternal membrane is pushed forwards, assuming a conical 

 form, opaque from mfiltration, and often very irritable. 

 When it is associated with escape of the aqueous humour 

 and subsequent granulation and disease of the eyeball, the 

 latter may call for extirpation. Simple staphyloma may, 

 however, yield to the action of astringents, as nitrate of 

 silver; sometimes opacity of a permanent character 

 remains. 



Hydrophthalmia, or Dropsy of the Aqtieous Chamber, 

 is usually confined to one organ, the cause being direct 

 injury. When the disease is congenital, both eyes may 

 be involved. 



Symptoms. — The eyeball is prominent, enlarged, and 

 protrudes from the orbit ; it is also tense and unyielding 

 beneath the fingers. The cornea is opaque, and presents 

 a dull appearance from infiltration of fluid, the pupil is 

 stationary and the vision impaired, if not lost. The 



