PURULENT OPHTHALMIA
(SUPPURATIVE INFLAMMATION
OF THE CONJUNCTIVA).
By Cassius D. Wescott, M. D.,
Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at
Rush Medical College, Chicago, Ill.
Purulent ophthalmia is caused by a specific germ, and is very contagious.
Local Treatment.—Irrigate with warm boric-acid solution or normal salt solution every hour. Anoint the edges of the lids with sterile vaselin to permit free drainage. Castor oil and glycerin, of each, equal parts; or borated vaselin may be used for the same purpose. Astringents and caustics, silver nitrate, etc., are usually applied by the doctor.
For an anodyne, atropin is principally employed, also cold or hot compresses; in the use of the latter care must be taken to prevent irritation of the skin that will show itself in a permanent livid hue.
In case of excessive swelling a leech may be applied, or the doctor may resort to scarification.
Medicines consist of cathartics, diuretics, diaphoretics, opiates, tonics.
General Treatment.—Frequent baths, plenty of fresh air. Temperature of the room should be uniform. Moderate and subdued light.
Diet should consist of nutritious food, liquid or soft, according to the condition of the patient.
The gravity of each case depends largely upon the extent to which the cornea is involved.
Treatment must, of course, be modified according to the virulence of the inflammation.
To Apply a Leech.—Leeches are applied to relieve congestion. Put one in a small vial with a mouth large enough for the leech to crawl through. Cleanse the patient’s temple, and with a sterile needle scratch the skin until the blood shows. Directly over this place the mouth of the vial. The leech will bite almost instantly, and will drop off when it is gorged. If the occasion requires the leech to be taken off before it is gorged, sprinkle a little salt on its head. Hemorrhage should not be checked unless profuse, in which case a piece of ice or alum applied to the spot will arrest the flow. If possible, the patient should be kept in ignorance of the application.