OPHTHALMIA. 
263 
better than old soft linen, or lint, which should be cut into small 
pieces and used as required. After use, the soiled pieces should be 
buried or burned in order that flies should not rest on them and 
thus, if an affection be contagious, carry it to other animals. 
In fact it is a sound rule never to use pieces of lint, cloth or 
sponges a second time. Natives have no idea of the importance 
of cleanliness in these diseases, and will wipe the eyes with filthy 
rags, will even drop them on the ground, and use them immediately 
after. 
Elephants are often unusually nervous when their eyes are sore. 
When it is desired to examine the eyes, the keeper should always be 
present, and the animal's attention diverted as much as possible by 
deeding him with some favourite food. The medicine must be made 
up and the mahout given careful instructions how to use it ; a 
responsible person should be present to see the eye dressed. 
Elephants with impaired vision or those whose sight is lost should 
be approached with great caution ; they should be spoken to and 
given the wind^ otherwise, if approached quietly and the wind be 
not in their favour, even a quiet creature might through sudden fear 
cause serious damage. It is almost useless for a stranger to try and 
dress an elephant's eyes ; the keeper alone is generally the only 
person who can do this. 
Elephants will not as a rule permit much handling of their eyes, 
as on the least interference they bring the nictitating membrane into 
play. The best thing is to get as good a view as possible without 
touching. When examining an eye the attention may be attracted 
by some one on the opposite side. 
Considerable experience has proved that with patience and 
care excellent results can be obtained by judicious treatment. 
During the hot season, if elephants are tethered in the glare of 
the sun, it is a good plan to cover the forehead and eyes with a 
cloth frequently wetted, or a shade. 
Ophthalmia or Sore-eyes. 
Causes. — Undue exposure to the glare of the sun, irritation from 
cold winds, smoke, dust, grass seeds, etc., and injury from bites of 
insects, blows or abrasions, eating to excess the leaves and boughs 
of the peepul [Ftcus religiosa, nyaungbtn), contagion from another 
animal. 
The condition may affect one or both eyes. 
Symptoms. — When lids are separated, excessive redness, swollen 
eyelids, frequent blinking and a tendency to keep the eyes closed, 
