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Inflammation of the Eye - Conjunctivitis.Symptoms.- The disease usually begins with a feeling of grating in the eye, the patient generally supposing that some particles of sand or other foreign matter have entered the eye. In a few hours the eye becomes red, the redness usually beginning at the part of the eye next to the lids. At the same time the secretion from the surface of the eye is increased ; at first there is an augmented discharge of mucus, which assumes a stringy character; this collects especially at the inner angle of the eye and forms little scabs along the edges of the lids. Upon awakening on the following day the patient finds the lids glued together, and experiences some difficulty in separating them. On the second day the discharge from the eye will be observed to contain more or less matter. By this time the entire front of the eye is of a bright red color, except where the redness is concealed by patches of a thick stringy secretion. The lids are usually somewhat swollen, and in many cases the eye seems to be puffed out - an appearance due to the presence of watery fluid under the con junctiva, whereby this is lifted off from the globe of the eye. The sight is not impaired except occasionally by the presence of a little matter which can be readily wiped away. In many cases both eyes are attacked simultaneously; in others one eye becomes inflamed a day or two in advance of the other ; but in nearly all instances the disease will attack both eyes before the patient recovers. The cause of this inflammation seems to be, in many cases, exposure to cold ; in other instances it results from the contact of irritating substances. In still other cases the inflammation appears to be epidemic, affecting a large number of persons in the same community, and attacking every member of a family in succession. Conjunctivitis is rarely a serious affection, especially if prop erly treated ; when neglected it sometimes spreads to the deeper structures of the eye, causing ulceration of the cornea and possibly interference with sight. Treatment.-As a rule the patient requires no constitutional treatment, since the local inflammation is not commonly associated with symptoms of general disturbance. If the patient be hot and thirsty he should have a saline laxative, such as a teaspoonful of Rochelle salts or of the citrate of potash. The eyes may be bathed every hour or two with one of the following lotions, care being taken to allow a little of the solution to flow into the eyes at every application : Alum, ------ Ten grains. Water, ------ Two ounces. If the case be severe the following lotion may be employed : Alum, ------ Eight grains. Sulphate of zinc, - Two grains. Water, ------ Two ounces. In the intervals between the application of the lotion the eye may be washed with water to secure the escape of the discharge ; the patient will derive much comfort from the application of a cloth, such as a soft handkerchief, soaked in cold water and allowed to rest upon the eye. In making such applications to the eyes, only thin cloth should be used, and not more than three thicknesses should be applied to the eye, since otherwise the heat produced may aggravate the pain. If there be much swelling and puffiness of the conjunctiva the the following solution may be prepared : Nitrate of silver, - Two grains. Water, ------ Two ounces. Two or three drops of this should be be dropped into the eye morning and night. If this solution be used the alum mixture above given is not required, but the eye should be cleansed and kept cool as directed above. In order to prevent the lids from sticking together the edges may be smeared with vaseline when the patient retires at night. Chronic inflammation of the eyes may result from an acute attack, but is more frequently caused by intense application of the eyes from over use in study, or in some employment requiring close observation. In many cases it is aggravated by some defect, such as farsightedness, which the patient does not suspect. In most instances it occurs in debilitated individuals, especially in scrofulous children. Symptoms. - The eye is red and looks irritable ; there is a certain increased amount of susceptibility to light, so that the individual avoids a bright light as much as possible. The edges of the lid are red ; there is an increased secretion which gathers at the corners of the eye. The person cannot read or apply the eye continuously for the usual time without feeling that the eyes grow very tired and hot. Treatment.-In most cases it becomes necessary to improve the state of the patient's general health. Without such treatment the local applications to the eyes remain ineffectual. It will therefore be necessary to examine carefully the state of the patient's functions, and to prescribe such medicines as are necessary to relieve any irregularities of the system. If the patient be a scrofulous child, it will be advisable to administer cod liver oil, a teaspoonful of which may be given twice a day. Such children will also be benefited by the following prescription : Syrup of the iodide of iron, - - One ounce. Glycerine, ----- Two ounces. Mix and take a teaspoonful after meals. Care should also be taken that the eyes are not strained by excessive application to fine work. It may even be necessary for the individual to change his employment temporarily, so that the eyes may secure the proper rest. Continuous reading, especially of fine print, and all other close applications of the eyes, should be avoided. Unless the eyes are very irritable, the local treatment may consist in the use of the following eyewater : Sulphate of zinc, - Two grains. Water, ------ Two ounces. Three or four drops of this may be dropped into the eye once or twice a day. If this does not cause improvement in a few days, x the following may be substituted : Sulphate of zinc, - Two grains. Alum, ------ Five grains. Distilled water, - Two ounces. Mix and drop into the eye as before directed. The eyes may be washed frequently with cold water, and the edges of the lids should be smeared with vaseline at night upon retiring. If there be much dread of light, these applications will probably increase the irritation and should, therefore, be discontinued at once. In such cases benefit is often derived from the application of a small fly-blister, say half an inch square, to the temple. Instead of the lotions above mentioned there may be used the following : Yellow ointment of mercury, - Half an ounce. Vaseline, - Half an ounce. A small portion of this, as large as two pin heads, may be placed between the lids morning and night. The treatment must be continued for several weeks or even for months, before a cure can be expected. In many cases it will be found that the surfaces of the lids are studded with minute reddish bodies, granulations. In these cases the affection will be far more obstinate, and relief cannot be expected without the use of some other measures than those indicated. These measures can. however, be carried out only by the surgeon, and need not be indicated here. But first, if you want to come back to this web site again, just add it to your bookmarks or favorites now! Then you'll find it easy! Also, please consider sharing our helpful website with your online friends.
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