DISEASES OF THE EYE. l8l 



may be gradually reduced with the scalpel or scissors and caus- 

 tic, or the whole substance drawn out and snipped off. 



Astringent lotions are useful, and in many cases suffi- 

 cient. 



PROTRUSION OF THE EYE-BALL. 



Occasionally in fighting the eye-ball is displaced from its 

 socket. If the accident is of recent date and the appendages 

 are not torn asunder, the return of the organ is not difficult. 

 In the case of a toy dog, not long since brought for my in- 

 spection, I had the eye and surrounding parts well fomented 

 for a quarter of an hour with warm milk and water ; a few 

 drops of olive oil were then poured over the ball, the upper 

 lid drawn forward with blunt forceps, and gentle pressure ex- 

 ercised, when it returned easily to its natural situation, but 

 when pressure was removed it again protruded ; once more 

 returning it I placed a small pad of wet lint over the organ, 

 and closed the lids over it with silk sutures. The case did 

 well, and no evil results followed. 



When the ball is completely torn from its attachments, 

 excision at once is advisable. 



EXTIRPATION OF THE EYE. 



This, from un.-.ightly blindness, disease, or protracted pro- 

 trusion, is sometimes rendered necessary. The ball being 

 drawn forward and held firmly, the muscles and optic nerve 

 are divided with a bistoury or scalpel. A pledget of cotton 

 wool steeped in iron should then be placed in the vacant 

 socket, and a couple of stiches inserted through 'the upper 

 and lower lid. These and the pledget may be removed in 



