KERATITIS 527 



matous, (f) keratitis punctata profunda. Under the latter 

 are included: (a) Ulceration of the cornea, (b) abscess of the 

 cornea, (c) keratitis neuroparalytica, and (d) keratitis from 

 lagophthalmus. 



Non-suppurative Keratitis. 



Superficial Keratitis.— Definition.— An inflammation of the 

 cornea which involves the epithelial layer and the superficial 

 layers of the parenchyma. It is very commonly due to acci- 

 dents, injuries, and infections. 



Etiology.— Superficial keratitis may result from (a) a spread 

 of infection from the palpebral or scleral conjunctiva. (6) 

 Wounds on the cornea, (c) Foreign bodies, (d) Chemical 

 irritants, such as too strong silver preparations, antisep- 

 tics, etc. The common practice among the laity of using 

 alum, ammonia, powdered glass in turbidity of the cornea 

 obviously often injures it. (e) Spreading of inflammation 

 from adjacent structures, such as the iris and ciliary bodies. 

 (/) Superficial keratitis is often observed to accompany dog 

 distempter and epitheliosis of fowls. 



Symptoms.— Lacrimation and photophobia are early and 

 prominent symptoms. Clouding of the cornea in the form of 

 a bluish-white film is seen which may be localized or general. 

 An epithelial desquamation is often produced on the surface 

 of the corneal infiltration. This is so slight in many cases 

 that it is not recognized. The symptoms usually disappear 

 completely in a week or ten days. 



Course.— The course is usually about two weeks. 



Prognosis.— Favorable unless complications develop. 



Treatment.— A careful examination should be made of all 

 parts of the eyelids and cornea to determine the conditions 

 accurately. Flush the cornea and conjunctiva with boric 

 acid solution (2 per cent.), or chinosol (1-2000 in distilled 

 water). If considerable pain and photophobia are present 

 a cocain and atropin solution (1-150) is recommended. A 

 solution of succus cineraria maritima compositus (50 per 

 cent.) has given most excellent results. Should the condition 

 indicate chronicity, and no ulceration be present, a mild 



