A manual of the diseases of the eye, or, treatise on ophthalmology / revised and enlarged by H. Houston.

  • Littell, S (Squier), 1803-1886.
Date:
1840
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A manual of the diseases of the eye, or, treatise on ophthalmology / revised and enlarged by H. Houston. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by Royal College of Physicians, London. The original may be consulted at Royal College of Physicians, London.

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    finement, breathing an impure atmosphere; the use of salt provisions too long continued ^ exposure to extreme heat or cold, as in frosty or windy weather ; smoke, dust, lime, and other external agents. Reflection of a tropical sun on the burning sands; in- fection, and, according to some authors, proximity to a person suffering under the disease. It often becomes chronic in scrofulous persons, and occasionally the eye- lashes are destroyed. In new-born infants it is most frequently caused by leucorrhoeal inoculation from the mother, and the eyes of the child being neglected to be washed for an hour or two after birth.] Suppuration is a frequent result, and as ectropium and other unpleasant consequences may arise from the morbid changes which this termination induces, it is important to prevent its occurrence, or where this cannot be done, to limit its extent as much as possible. [Mr. Lawrence is of opinion, that the chance of subsequent deformity may be lessened by limiting the suppuration as much as possible. An early opening of the abscess is necessary for this purpose. Attention to this point is most requisite in scrofulous subjects, as the maj;ter extends lat- erally without approaching the surface; and, if left alone, wiU occupy the whole lid.] For this purpose, leeches, cold applications, and general remedies proportioned^ to the severity of the symptoms, will be proper in the first instance. If suppuration is threatened it should be pro- moted by the usual means, and as soon as fluctuation can be felt, an opening must be made with the point of a lancet, parallel to the natural folds of the skin. [If the