[352 Mothers’ remedies]

General Treatment.—­If the patient is “run down” the general system should be built up.

Local Treatment.—­One to two per cent solution of Atropine should be put into the eye three to six times a day to keep the pupil dilated and prevent it from adhering to the cornea.  Hot fomentations repeated according to the severity of the case and the amount of “easing” they give.  A three per cent solution of boric acid should be used for cleansing purposes.  The bowels should be regular.  The patient should remain in one room.

Film on the eye pterygium.—­This is a growth beginning near the inner or outer corner and extending with its point towards the center of the cornea.

Symptoms.—­The patient only complains when it has advanced toward the center of the cornea and the vision is lessened or cut off.  It occurs more often from the inner corner.  It keeps growing for many years and may cease advancing at any time.

Treatment.—­Surgical treatment is often necessary.  Dr. Alling says:  “Dissect off the growth from the cornea and sclera coats, leaving the base attached (toward the corner of the eye) and bury its point under the undermined conjunctiva below.  If the growth is dissected off the cornea, which may readily be done, and then cut off (towards its base) it would recur.”

Iritis. (Inflammation of the Iris.)—­This is an inflammation of the iris, characterized by congestion, small pupil and posterior synechia.

Causes.—­It occurs in the second stage of syphilis, second to eighteenth month, from rheumatism, diabetes, gout, injury, and without any known cause (idiopathic).

Symptoms.—­More or less severe pain in the eye, forehead and temple, worse in the night and early morning especially.  There is fear of the light and the eyes water very much.  The sight is affected and there may be some fever.  On examination the lids are found swollen and red, the eyeball shows congestion in the cornea and ciliary body, with some congestion of the conjunctiva.  The cornea looks hazy.  The anterior surface of the iris looks muddy and does not look so fine and delicate.  The pupil is small and the light does not make it contract readily.  If atropine is put in the eye (one per cent solution) the pupil will not dilate regularly, because at different points the pupillary edge of the iris is held to the lens by an exudate that lightly holds it.

Course and Recovery.—­The disease may occur at any age, but it is most common in children.  It may last from one to six weeks.

Chances of recovery are good if treatment is begun early.  There is a tendency to recurrence.

[Eye and ear 353]

Mother’s remedy.—­1.  Iritis.—­Sensible Remedy for.—­“Doctor the blood with sulphur and lard, a teaspoonful three times a day.  Refrain from using the eyes.  This disease is said to be brought on by rheumatic fever, and rheumatism is a disease of the blood.”  This is a very serious disease and a physician should be called.