CHAPTER X. 



DISEASES OF THE EYE. 



Simple Ophthalmia. Recurrent or Periodic Ophthalmia. Amaurosis 



and Catai'act. 



SIMPLE OPHTHALMIA. 

 There are four diseases of the eye of which we must speak separately. 

 These are simple and recurrent ophthalmia, amaurosis, and cataract. 



Simple ophthalmia, is a disease of the eye characterised by inflammation 

 of the white covering, and of the lining of the lids which is continuous with 

 it. Together, the white and its continuation lining the inner surface of the 

 lids are spoken of as the conjunctiva. As a rule, this inflammation is set up 

 by an injury, or by the presence of a foreign body in the eye. We have 

 already, in treating of pink-eye, mentioned that inflammation of the 

 conjunctiva, is a feature characterising this variety of influenza. In ordinary 

 cases of influenza, and other fevers also, the conjunctiva is frequently more or 

 less inflamed. This inflammation may also have its origin in a cold, as is 

 also very commonly the case in man. 



Simple ophthalmia is easily known by the swollen condition of the lids, 

 which are often wholly or partially closed, by the constant shedding of tears, 

 by the projection of the haw or membrana nictitans, by the red hue of the 

 inflamed part, and by the drawing back or retraction of the eye into its 

 orbit. The cornea assumes a clouded appearance, but is only superficially 

 inflamed. Sometimes, on examination, a foreign body will be found, and in 

 such a case it is of primary importance that this should be removed 

 carefully. The eye should be bathed with tepid water, and the animal 

 should have a dose of aloes, and be fed for a time upon laxative diet, if the 

 inflammation be at all severe. Locally, a few drops of a lotion made of two 

 grains of sulphate of atropine to an ounce of water, should be dropped into 

 the corner of the eye three times daily ; and the animal, if very intolerant 

 of light, should be placed in a darkened box. In two or three days, a lotion 

 made of four grains of boric acid and ten drops of tincture of opium to 

 each ounce of water, will prove valuable in restoring strength to the 

 weakened eyes. 



RECURRENT OR PERIODIC OPHTHALMIA. 

 Recurrent or periodic ophthalmia is a more serious disease than the one 

 we have just been considering. It is fortunately rather rare, but we have 



