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CHAPTER X. 
DISEASES OF “THE. EYE. 
Simple Ophthaliia. Recurrent or Periodic Ophthalmia. Amaitrosis 
and Cataract. ‘ 
SIMPLE OPHTHALMIA. 
THERE are four diseases of the eye of which we must speak separately. 
These are simple and recurrent ophthalmia, amaurosis, and cataract. 
Simple ophthalmia, is a disease of the eye characterised by inflammation 
of the white covering, and of the lining of the lids which is continuous with 
it. Together, the white and its continuation lining the inner surface of the 
lids are spoken of as the conjunctiva. As a rule, this inflammation is set up 
by an injury, or by the presence of a foreign body in the eye. We have 
already, in treating of pink-eye, mentioned that inflammation of the 
conjunctiva, is a feature characterising this variety of influenza. In ordinary 
cases of influenza, and other fevers also, the conjunctiva is frequently more or 
less inflamed. This inflammation may also have its origin in a cold, as-is 
also very commonly the case in man. 
Simple ophthalmia is easily known by the swollen condition of thr lids, 
which are often wholly or partially closed, by the constant shedding of tears, 
by the projection of the haw or membrana nictitans, by the red hue of the 
inflamed part, and by the drawing back or retraction of the eye into its 
orbit. The cornea assumes a clouded appearance, but is only superficially 
inflamed. Sometimes, on examination, a foreign body will be found, and in 
such a case it is of primary importance that this should be removed 
carefully. The eye should be bathed with tepid water, and the animal 
should have a dose of aloes, and be fed for a time upon laxative diet, if the . 
inflammation be at all severe. Locally, a few drops of a lotion made of two 
grains of sulphate of atropine to an ounce of water, should be dropped into 
- the corner of the eye three times daily; and the animal, if very intolerant 
of light, should be placed in a darkened box.NIn two or three days, a lotion 
made of four grains of boric acid and ten drops of tincture of opium to 
each ounce of water, will prove valuable in restoring Strength to the 
_weakened eyes. _ - 
RECURRENT OR PERIODIC OPHTHALMIA. 
RECURRENT or periodic ophthalmia is a more serious disease than the one 
we have just been considering. It is fortunately rather rare, but we have 
