56 CATARACT. 
For complete cataract nothing can be done. In man, operation or 
couching may be performed with success; but the horse can retract the 
eye and protrude the cartilago nictitans. 
Thereby difficulties are created ; but these 
may be overcome. However, when an open- 
ing through the cornea is perfected, the 
spasmodic contraction of the muscles of the 
eye, acting upon the fibrous covering of 
the globe, is apt to drive forth the liquid 
contents of the organ in a jet: this is ir- 
reparable, of course. When so fearful a 
COMPLETE CATARACT. cs 
catastrophe does not ensue, still the capsule 
of the lens is always difficult to divide, and the lens itself cannot easily 
be broken down. ‘The lens, therefore, must be abstracted; but that 
necessitates a large incision, which the previously named probability 
forbids. Displacement is the only resort left; but the lens, when forced 
from its situation into the posterior or dark cavity, is, by the contraction 
of the muscles, forced up again. The uncertainty of the result, even 
when the operation is successfully performed, is peculiarly disheartening. 
Half lose their eyes in consequence of the attempt; half the remainder 
are in no way benefited; to the rest, as these cannot wear spectacles to 
supply the place of the absent lens, of course the pain endured becomes 
useless torture. 
Where partial cataract is feared but cannot be detected, then arti- 
ficially dilate the pupil. Rub down two drachms 
of the extract of belladonna in one ounce of water. 
Have this applied, with friction, to the exterior of 
the lids and about the eye; mind none gets into 
the eye. The belladonna, acted upon by the secre- 
: tions, turns to grit; inflammation is the conse- 
DIAGRAM sLLUsTRATING tHe uence, and the clearness of the cornea is im- 
Rhea buena! paired. When the belladonna is properly used, 
The inner space represents 
the natural pupil, on which jt dilates the iris and exposes the margin of the 
no cataract is to be observed. 5 
The second gpace represents Jens, thus enabling the practitioner to inspect the 
the pupillary opening as it 
may be enlarged by the appli- eye in a fall light. 
cation of belladonna, whereon 
two partial cataracts are to be To tell a spurious cataract, which defect is 
remarked. The other space 
merely represents the dilated never permanent, first observe the spot. Note 
pupil. ee ; 
if it present any metallic appearance, and try 
whether, as the horse’s head is moved, it alters in shape, catching irregular 
lights. Then inspect the exterior of the eye; see if it retain any signs 
of recent injury. Subsequently endeavor, so far as may be possible, 
