NERVES, SKIN, AND EYE. 807 



Apply one of the following lotions with a camel's-hair brush five or 

 six times a day : — 



Sulphate of atropia , 3 grs. 



Water , , . . . 1 oz. 



O 



r- 



Tincture of opium (laudanum) 4 oz. 



Water ' 1 qt. 



If the cornea becomes opaque, apply nitrate of silver in the fol- 

 lowing solution twice a day with the camel's-hair pencil : — 



Nitrate of silver 10 grs. 



Water . . .' 1 oz. 



If the disease does not yield to these measures, and the inflam- 

 mation increases, bleeding may be resorted to, the vein beneath the 

 eye being opened for this purpose. 



In purulent and contagious ophthalmia, the inflammatory action 

 is very acute, and is quite rapid in its course. The discharge is 

 thick and purulent, adhering to the eyelashes and face. The eye- 

 lids are swollen, the structure of the eye becomes involved, and 

 exterisive sloughing follows. After an active purgative has been 

 given, stimulants and mineral and vegetable tonics should be used 

 The pain may be relieved by subcutaneous injections of morphine. 

 Sloughing and ulceration require the use of carbolized oil and 

 nitrate of silver. 



Constitutional ophthalmia is still more serious, and the treatment 

 is seldom satisfactory. The symptoms are more sudden, severe, 

 and rapid, frequently subsiding only to recur again, until blindness 

 results. The local treatment prescribed for the previous types may 

 be used at the outset. The later stages demand stronger measures. 

 A blister should be applied at the root of the eye, or a seton may be 

 inserted. Apply to the eye a strong solution of nitrate of silver, 12 ^ 

 grains to an ounce of water, and smear the eyelids with some simple 

 ointment in order to prevent adhesion. 



