Edebohls’s dorsal posture.
OPHTHALMIA.
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.