Simple method for the treatment of grave ulcers of the cornea complicated with hypopyon. After washing the con junctival sac with a 1-to-5000 sublimate solution, the closed lids are covered with a thick compress of salolized gauze, anti septic cotton, and, finally, a damp tarla tan bandage, which, in drying, forms an immobile dressing and secures equal com pression. This dressing is renewed every three or four days, till cure is effected. Very satisfactory results claimed. The same success is achieved in simple ulcers without hypopyon, in scrofulous ulcers of children, and in all ulcerative keratites. Valude (La Sem. Med., Feb. 11, '91).
In the treatment of corneal inflamma tions and opacities hot boric-acid com presses and calomel insuifiations found most efficacious. Chauvel (Rec. d'Oph., Oct., '92).
In the treatment of keratitis neuro paralytica the chief indication is protec tion to the eye by occlusive dry dressing, and the application of vaselin and iodo form, while, in general, treatment should be directed to the underlying cause. Papas (Recueil d'Oplital., Nov., '92).
Chloride of sodium in the strength of 4 to 1000 and the application of a band age are the best means of combating keratonialacia. Berger (Revue G6h. d'Ophtal., May, '94).
Local treatment of interstitial kera titis consists in k-eeping the pupil dilated with atropine, and the use of IN a rm com presses or frequent warm bathing of the eyes during' the active inflammatory stages, w ith moderate, not excessive, pro tection of the c)es from light; and, for the residual opacities after the acute stage has subsided, massage with a mer curial or iodide of potash ointment (10 to 20 per cent. of the yellow oxide of mer ,tiry, or 10 per cent. of iodide of potash), the massage being done by rubbing the cornea strongly w ith the finger through the closed lids tw ice a day for five to ten minutes, a drop of cocaine solution being, previously instilled if the patient is sensitive, hi the constitutional treat ment no means are to be neglected which may improve the condition of the pa tient's general health, and, secondly, w here syphilis is present, the special in dications are threefold, viz.: mercury, sweating, and iodide of potash. Decided preference given to the inunction method. As a sequel to the mercurial treatment it is distinctly advantageous to give the patient a course of iodide of potash: 30 grains of the salt are given per day, until he has taken 25 to 40 drachms. R. Greeff (Sammlung Zwangloser Abhand. aus dem Geb. der Augenh., '97).
Apparatus for applying steam in eye work. It is arranged so that either one or both eyes can be steamed at the same time. The chief essential is that it lie so
constructed as to prevent the patient being lmrned by the steam. This is here accomplished by a diaphrag,in with only one-half millimetre perforation placed about halfway in each projecting arm. Just beyond this small perforation there is a. larger externs' one, which permits the air to mix with the steam before it escapes from the end of the tube. The treatment is begun by placing the eyes of the patient about six inches from the opening. and gradually having him ap proach to within three inches; by so doing the temperature of the steam when it reaches the eyes increases from 100° F. to 112° F. The steaming is continued from ten to twenty minutes. In this way it has been used in a large number of cases of inflammation, ulceration, and opacity of the cornea, with very gratify ing results. After the steaming process, yellow-oxide-of-mercury cerate, calomel powder, resorcin, or whatever agent seems indicated, is placed on the cornea, and gentle massage made over the closed lids. Elmer J. Bissell (Jour. of Ophthal., Otol., and Laryng., Oct., '9S).
Success in treating, superficial infiltra tions of cornea with small ulcers by means of applications consisting of an ointment composed of 0.10 gramme (11/2 grains) of ichthyol and 0.15 gramme (21, grains) of cocaine, in 5 grammei (17, drachms) of excipient. Under the influence of these applications the signs of inflammation rapidly decrease and the pains disappear. The newly forme,' blood-vessels. so common in this dis ease, also fade away. The tissue of the cornea regenerates, and, as a rtile, only a small portion of the opacity remains. The record of the author's eases now reaches 2S, of which 22 were either trachomatous or blennorrhagic. I. I. Federov (Semaine INR,dicale, Sept. 24, 1902).
In all corneal inflammations cleanliness or asepsis is of the highest importance. This is to be secured by- douchings of the conjunctival sac, and the wiping away of discharges when this is necessary. If there is no conjunctival discharge washing out the eye once or twice a day may be sufficient. If there is profuse discharge, cleansing the eye every hour may be necessary. The solutions em ployed should never be irritant, the 2 per-cent. boric-acid solution, or the nor mal salt solution (3 grains to the fluid ounce) are the best. They should be ap plied at blood-heat or a little warmer. To wipe away any masses of discharge that accumulate, swabs of absorbent cot ton moistened with the cleansing fluid, to prevent the cotton from sticking to the eye, may be used.