In time conjunctivitis becomes complicated with diffuse ulceration, keratitis, and sometimes with ophthalmia and suppuration of the eye.
Diagnosis. The diagnosis is rather troublesome, and cocaine is of great assistance.
Prognosis. This is rather grave.
Treatment. The object of treatment is the complete removal of the parasites. This can sometimes be attained by means of the finger, a pair of forceps, or a very clean feather.
Treatment is completed by injecting an antiseptic and anti-parasitic eye lotion for several days, lest some of the worms should remain hidden in the folds of the mucous membrane. One per cent. creolin or 1 in 2,000 sublimate solution may be used.
If in some exceptional case it is difficult to remove the parasites, they may be got rid of by injections or free irrigation. The stream of liquid, pointed in different directions, distends the mucous membrane and washes away the foreign bodies on its surface.
VERMINOUS OPHTHALMIA OF THE OX.
This ophthalmia is due to the presence of a small worm, ⅔ of an inch to 1¼ inches in length, which has been regarded as the larval form of the Filaria cervina of the serous cavities.
It is very common in animals which are kept permanently in low-lying meadows particularly in some parts of France, as for instance in Normandy, in the departments of the Sarthe and the Mayenne. Not infrequently it occurs as an epizootic, and is then regarded as a contagious ophthalmia. Verminous ophthalmia occurs chiefly during the spring and autumn.
Symptoms. The disease is accompanied by lachrymation, signs of conjunctivitis, and fear of light. Very soon the media of the eye become turbid, the sclerotic and cornea are injected, and finally exhibit marked opalescence.