DISEASES OP THE EYE, ETC. 353 



as amaurosis — or by pressure upon the posterior surface of the eyeball 

 force it forward, or produce atrophy (shrinking). They may displace 

 the eye in any direction, with or without disturbing vision. 



Fibrous tumors growing within the orbit will produce symptoms 

 similar to those of bony tumors. 



Treatment. — When the outlines of the tumor, whether fungoid, bony, 

 or fibrous, can be detected, an operation for its removal should be 

 undertaken as soon as the sight of the eye is in any manner disturbed. 



DISLOCATION OF THE EYEBALL. 



The eyeball may be torn out of its socket by the horns of another 

 animal in a fight, or it may be crowded out with the blunt end of a 

 club, cane, or probe in the hands of a brutal attendant. 



Treatment. — When the optic nerve is not lacerated and the retractor 

 muscles at the back of the eye are intact, an attempt at reduction is 

 advisable. This, however, must follow very soon after the injury — 

 before swelling takes place. Divide the outer corner of the eyelid to 

 enlarge the orifice, then by pressure with the fingers of both hands 

 placed upon the sides of the eye the ball may be put back into its 

 place. Apply a firm compress over the injured eye and keep it con- 

 stantly wet with cold water containing 1 dram of sugar of lead to each 

 quart. 



If the attempt at reduction proves unsuccessful the artery at the 

 back of the eye should be ligated, and then the whole mass cut off as 

 deep within the orbit as possible. The orbital cavity should be packed 

 daily with fresh absorbent cotton after washing it out with a 3 per 

 cent solution of carbolic acid or 10 per cent dilution of creolin. 



INFLAMMATION AND ENLARGEMENT OF THE HAW. 



The haw, or membrana nictitans, is subject to inflammation and 

 swelling from the extension of conjunctivitis, or direct injury by for- 

 eign substances. It presents a red, swollen appearance, accompanied 

 by considerable pain and a profuse flow of tears. A slight scarifica- 

 tion with a sharp knife and the application of a cooling lotion, such 

 as recommended for conjunctivitis, will soon reduce the swelling and 

 restore it to its normal function. 



There is, however, a tendency for an inflammation of this membrane 

 to take on a chronic character, which may eventually result in a per- 

 manent enlargement, resembling a tumor. When it attains sufficient 

 size to protrude itself permanently over the eye, or project between 

 the lids so as to obstruct the sight, its removal may become necessary. 

 A threaded needle is passed through the body of the enlarged mass, by 

 which the membrane is drawn out as far as possible, then with a blunt 

 pair of scissors it may be dissected away from its attachments. The 

 eye is afterwards treated with simple cooling lotions. 



61386—08 23 



