342 DISEASES OF THE EYES. 



This disease appears to be an inflammation of the whole 

 structure of the eye ; but in simple ophthalmia, only the membrane 

 which covers the eye is affected. It is generally confined to one eye. 



SYMPTOMS AND COURSE.— The symptoms come on suddenly, 

 and resemble those of simple ophthalmia, except that the interior 

 of the eye assumes a dim, dull, amber-coloured appearance; and 

 the cornea becomes clouded. At first the pupil is contracted. In 

 conjunctivitis (p. 340), the inflammation is confined to the surface 

 of the eye. 



Usually the intensity of the symptoms begins to abate after 

 about a week, and the eorneia and oonjunotiva graidually atssume, 

 more or less, their normal condition. Gamgee observes that " the 

 first attacks are usually the longest, and their duration diminishes, 

 as a rule, with their recurrence. During the progress of apparent 

 recovery a relapse is not unfrequent, and the term may be thus in- 

 definitely lengthened. The interval between the attacks is, on an 

 average, about sixty days. The eye may seem quite clear during 

 the intermission; but it has not returned to its normal condition. 

 The outline of the upper eyelid is usually altered. It presents a 

 slight bend in its internal part, so that the upper joins the lower 

 lid, at the inner angle, by a right, in place of an acute, angle. This 

 is best marked after several severe attacks, and gives a triangular 

 outline to the opening between the lids." There may be recurrent 

 attacks after the horse has become totally blind. 



Williams notes the peculiarly wrinkled or furrowed appearance 

 which the upper lid and eyebrow assume. The eye appears smaller 

 than it would do in health, and looks dull and weak. In confirmed 

 cases, the haw is prominent : the cornea, more or less opaque ; and 

 the iris and aqueous humour, changed in colour. These indications 

 would probably be of use to an intending purchaser. This disease 

 generally terminates in cataract ; although the latter affection may 

 come on independently of the former. 



TREATMENT.— In "The Journal of Comp. Medicine," Nov. 

 1893, Dr. R. H. Harrison (U.S. of America) strongly recommends 

 puncturing the cornea (p. 346) for periodic ophthalmia, if the 

 operation is indicated after testing the tension of the eyeballs, 

 which, he tells us, " is a useful and important guide in deter- 

 mining whetiier to operate or not. In testing the eyes I have 

 found the most practical way is to exert alternating pressure of 

 two fingers placed on the upper lid, testing both eyes at once, using 

 the index and middle fingers of both hands on the ey&s. In this 

 way, a slight variation of the tension of the two eyes can be deter- 

 mined. If found harder than normal, the operation is indicated ; 



