740 OPEEATIONS UPON THE EYE AND EAR. 



is drawn back into the orbital cavity. On the internal commis- 

 sure are found the caruncula lachrytnalis, showing on the upper 

 and lower lids the lachrymal puncta, both of which empty into 

 the lachrymal sac, which is itself continuous with the lachrymal 

 canal, and through the lachrymal duct empties at the lower com- 

 missure of the nostril by the lachrymal opening. 



Among the surgical diseases of the eyehds must be mentioned 

 traumatic lesions, pathological growths, defective congenital con- 

 formations, and specific diseases of theii* elements. 



A. — Teaumatic Lesions. 



Bruises of the eyelids are specially common in horses after 

 kicks and blows ia that region, and may also be the result of fric- 

 tion and chafing from the harness. If the cause has been severe, 

 cedema of the lid is the result, as well as more or less flow of 

 tears, and, possibly, irritation of the cornea. These accidents are 

 generally of no great severity so long as the globe of the eye re- 

 mains intact, but if this is injured serious complications ensue. 



The indications of treatment are those of aU similar injuries 

 of a local character, consisting of cooling astringents, with local 

 bleeding, which generally bring rapid reUef. 



B. — Solutions of Continuity. 



These are very common with all our animals. They are sel- 

 dom simple, but are more commonly complicated with lacerations 

 of the tissues, by nails, hooks, etc., or even the teeth of other 

 animals. Clean wounds by sharp instruments are rare, and are 

 easier to treat than those having torn and irregular edges. They 

 may be superficial, and may involve the thickness of the lid alone, 

 but they may also be deep and complicated with wounds of the 

 globe of the eye itself. The condition of the wound in this re- 

 spect is important to know, and should be ascertained as early as 

 possible. The raising of the eye with the elevator palpcebrum 

 (Fig. 534) greatly facilitates this examination, and the animal sel- 

 dom offers any serious resistance to it. 



Fig. 534.— Eyelids Elevator. 



