On the cure of cataract, with a practical summary of the best modes of operating, (Contintental and British).

  • Neill, Hugh
Date:
1848
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On the cure of cataract, with a practical summary of the best modes of operating, (Contintental and British). Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library at Yale University, through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library at Yale University.

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    operating The operating room should be clear and have only room should 1 o be regulated: one w;n(jow jn use- Should there be more, puil down the blinds and close the shutters of all but one, in order that the rays of light from different sides, shall not strike the eye, and embarrass or hinder the operator from exactly perceiving the interior of the organ. Place the patient obliquely towards the window, so that the light may penetrate the eye from the side of the nose, and that the surgeon's hand be not intercepted, or in any way distressed during the operation. [a] Position of the patient: Some surgeons operate while the patient is stretched horizontally. But this position is embarrassing to the practitioner. Better seat him on a couch, without a back, of the assist, or on a high stool. An assistant stationed behind, applies ant: ° * * one hand to the forehead, and another under the chin, and so retains the head of the patient in a steady posi- tion, either against his chest or the back of a chair. When the left eye is the subject of operation, the assistant's right hand should be applied to the forehead; and vice versa. Next, with the index and middle finger, [*] I have one of the prettiest forced after an operation ; and little Eye Hospitals in the world. undue reaction (inflammation) is I have now seventeen beds, and prevented by anti-phlogistic treat- room for thirty. The house is ment made use of a few hours beautifully situated, with fresh air after operation. During the year and good light. My wards are all 1847, only one case of operation small, each lighted by only one for Cataract has had destructive window, but with perfect ventila- inflammation. In former years, tion. I can thoroughly exclude the number of cases I have suc- the light from any room, and yet cessfully operated on for Cataract have it well ventillated. My bed- in this little hospital, is above steads are iron, and I have hair six hundred.—H. N. mattresses. Complete rest is en-