Diseases of the Eyes and Ears. 223 
ness of the pupil, which may have been observed in the 
early stages, have now passed away. The pupil is dilated, 
the eyelids are also widely apart, the strongest light may 
be thrown upon the organ, but it remains motionless, 
bright, clear, and reflecting from the posterior surface of 
the rays as they fall upon it. Only one eye may be 
affected at the outset, but as a rule both become diseased 
eventually. Generally both are implicated from the 
beginning. 
. Treatment is most unsatisfactory, except in very slight 
-cases, and when the disease has been attacked in the 
earliest stages. The approved remedies are blisters or 
setons behind the head; the former may be rubbed in 
around the orbits, or strong ointment or liniment of 
iodine may be substituted. As the nervous system is 
greatly at fault, nux vomica or strychnine may prove 
useful, in conjunction with nutritious and easily digested 
food, fresh air, and other stimuli of healthy function. 
Staphyloma, so-called from its resemblance toa grape, 
is the result of ulceration of the cornea, an accompani- 
ment of simple ophthalmia associated with distemper. A 
circular depression on the outer surface is first formed, 
and shortly, as a result of pressure from within, the in- 
ternal membrane is pushed forwards, assuming a conical 
form, opaque from infiltration, and often very irritable. 
When it is associated with escape of the aqueous humour 
and subsequent granulation and disease of the eyeball, the 
latter may call for extirpation. Simple staphyloma may, 
however, yield to the action of astringents, as nitrate of 
silver; sometimes opacity of a permanent character 
remains. 
Hydrophthalmia, or Dropsy of the Aqueous Chamber, 
is usually confined to one organ, the cause being direct 
injury. When the disease is congenital, both eyes may 
be involved. 
Symptoms.—The eyeball is prominent, enlarged, and 
protrudes from the orbit; it is also tense and unyielding 
beneath the fingers. The cornea is opaque, and presents 
a dull appearance from infiltration of fluid, the pupil is 
stationary and the vision impaired,.if not lost. The 
