WOUNDS AND INFLAMMATION OF THE MEMBRANA NICTITANS.
Like other parts of the ocular apparatus, the third eyelid and gland of Harder are subject to accidental injuries of various kinds. What is worse, ignorant persons seeing the cartilage and membrane projected over the eye in ophthalmias and tetanus, have mistaken it for a morbid product and deliberately cut it off in part. The condition of the organ may be ascertained by parting the lids with the fingers and pressing gently on the front of the eyeball, when the nictitating membrane will be fully exposed.
If detached portions cannot be restored, but threaten to slough, or cause distortions or unsightly and irritating neoplasms they should be seized with forceps and snipped off with scissors. Otherwise the treatment consists in soothing astringent and anodyne Collyria as in conjunctivitis.