A Compend of the Diseases of the Eye (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1886 Excerpt: ...the healthy eye by a light cotton compress strapped securely. Lid retractors are to be used in raising the lids, whose folds must be washed out and cleansed with F. 8, every hour until the discharge is lessened. Instead of the stick of mitigated silver nitrate, F. 28 is advised, once daily. Leeches, scarification and ice-bags are out of the question, and the inflammation is to be reduced by warm poppy fomentations and other general antiphlogistic measures. Prophylactic measures should be a part of all lying-in practice. Diphtheritic or Croupous Conjunctivitis.--This type of purulent Ophthalmia differs from the others in no essential particular, but is characterized by the fact of the discharge forming a membranous layer in patches or all over the palpebral conjunctiva, which bleeds easily upon removal of the membrane. The treatment differs but little from that given; greater care, if possible, being used in regard to caustics. The danger to the cornea is great. F. 11 is the best, in our experience. Sequelae of Purulent Ophthalmia.--Of these, corneal ulcer and perforation are the tragical results if the case be not seen early enough, or if the treatment be not successful. This brings with it prolapse of the iris, anterior synechia, anterior staphyloma, and probably hopeless blindness. When this complication threatens, a weak solution of atropia, F. 13, nott, should be dropped in the eye after each dressing, to prevent iritic adhesions, and every exertion be put forth to reduce the impediments to corneal nutrition. When perforation is probable, care must be used in everting the lids, etc., and to lessen the intraocular tension, paracentesis of the anterior chamber (see Operations) nay be deemed advisable. The nurse holds the child with its head placed upon th...