SECTION XVI 



DISEASES OF THE EYE 

 Conjunctivitis 



INFLAMMATION of the conjunctival mucous 

 membrane may vary in its intensity from a sim- 

 ple hyperemia to a purulent condition. It is caused 

 by foreign bodies — such as small particles of dirt, 

 ashes, or metal — by smoke and irritant chemical 

 fumes, and. by too strong antiseptic washes. It is 

 a very frequent sequel to an antiseptic bath given 

 for the purpose of getting rid of parasites or even 

 from the use of cheap and crude dog soap. Direct 

 injury may sometimes be the cause of conjunctivitis, 

 and it is often seen as a symptom of some other 

 condition. 



Symptoms. — The first symptom usually noticed in 

 an acute attack of conjunctivitis is a flow of tears 

 from the affected eye, which is nearly or completely 

 closed. There is great intolerance to light (photo- 

 phobia) and upon examination the conjunctiva i.s 

 found to be congested (hyperemia) and swollen. 

 If the case becomes of the purulent variety the 

 watery discharge' (tears) becomes pus-like and the 

 bulbar conjunctiva may become involved, as evi- 

 denced by marked pericorneal injection and edema 

 around a slightly hazed cornea. In severe cases 

 corneal ulcers form from erosion of the epithelium. 

 The eyelids often become glued together by the 

 discharge, which excoriates their edges and often- 

 times the skin of the cheeks. 



Treatment. — The affected eye should be bathed 

 with cold water and then carefully examined for 



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