FILM ON THE EYE PTERYGIUM
Categories:
Diseases of The Eye and Ear
This is a growth beginning near the inner or
outer corner and extending with its point towards the center of the
cornea.
Symptoms. The patient only complains when it has advanced toward the
center of the cornea and the vision is lessened or cut off. It occurs more
often from the inner corner. It keeps growing for many years and may cease
advancing at any time.
Treatment. Surgical treat
ent is often necessary. Dr. Alling says:
"Dissect off the growth from the cornea and sclera coats, leaving the base
attached (toward the corner of the eye) and bury its point under the
undermined conjunctiva below. If the growth is dissected off the cornea,
which may readily be done, and then cut off (towards its base) it would
recur."
IRITIS. (Inflammation of the Iris.)--This is an inflammation of the iris,
characterized by congestion, small pupil and posterior synechia.
Causes. It occurs in the second stage of syphilis, second to eighteenth
month, from rheumatism, diabetes, gout, injury, and without any known
cause (idiopathic).
Symptoms. More or less severe pain in the eye, forehead and temple, worse
in the night and early morning especially. There is fear of the light and
the eyes water very much. The sight is affected and there may be some
fever. On examination the lids are found swollen and red, the eyeball
shows congestion in the cornea and ciliary body, with some congestion of
the conjunctiva. The cornea looks hazy. The anterior surface of the iris
looks muddy and does not look so fine and delicate. The pupil is small and
the light does not make it contract readily. If atropine is put in the eye
(one per cent solution) the pupil will not dilate regularly, because at
different points the pupillary edge of the iris is held to the lens by an
exudate that lightly holds it.
Course and Recovery. The disease may occur at any age, but it is most
common in children. It may last from one to six weeks.
Chances of recovery are good if treatment is begun early. There is a
tendency to recurrence.
MOTHER'S REMEDY. 1. Iritis. Sensible Remedy for. "Doctor the blood with
sulphur and lard, a teaspoonful three times a day. Refrain from using the
eyes. This disease is said to be brought on by rheumatic fever, and
rheumatism is a disease of the blood." This is a very serious disease and
a physician should be called.
Treatment. What to do first. Confine the patient in a darkened room and
if the attack is severe in bed.
Local Treatment. Dry or moist heat should be applied, according to the
ease they give. Leeches are good in severe cases placed near the outer
corner of the eye. Atropine usually made of about the strength of two to
four grains Atropine to an ounce of water; or one per cent (1 to 100) may
be used, and it should be dropped into the eye from three to six times a
day. The pupil must be dilated and kept so from the beginning to keep the
adhesions from forming between the iris and lens. If too much is used the
throat and tongue will feel dry, face will flush, and there will be
dizziness and a rapid pulse. Stop it until that effect is gone and then
cautiously use it again. The bowels should be kept open.
The diet should consist of milk to a great extent. Water of course can be
taken freely. Soups, broths, gruels, etc., can be used if desired; but
meats should be withheld for a time unless the patient runs down.
Caution. If a person has any of the special symptoms above mentioned it
would be prudent to begin treatment at once. The great danger is permanent
adhesion of the iris to other parts, especially the lens, and the dilating
and contracting power may be lost.