Ocular therapeutics / by L. de Wecker ; translated and edited by Litton Forbes.
- Date:
- 1879
Licence: Public Domain Mark
Credit: Ocular therapeutics / by L. de Wecker ; translated and edited by Litton Forbes. Source: Wellcome Collection.
Provider: This material has been provided by the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. The original may be consulted at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.
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![which I have just enumeratecl. A pijnple developed in the vicinity of a hair follicle, on the border of the hd, and which is commonly known as a sty, insignificant though it be, may be capable of Avrecking the fair fame of the practitioner. Owing to the extreme elasticity of the subcutaneous tissue, and the readiness with which it becomes infiltrated with serum, the eyelid, especially the upper one, becomes enormously swollen, and of a violet hue. This eyelid concealing a conjunctivitis, and bulged out by the chemosis, which presses forward towards the external angle, and between the lids, while at the same moment a mucopm'ulent secretion gums them together, imparts to the eye an aspect very similar to that which marks the commencement of severe puru- lent ophthalmia. Among the upper classes we may sometimes, in such cases, find the family doctor alarmed, and anxious for a consultation. If, however, he had examined the lid with a tactiis eruditus, he would have found that when he pressed upon the ciliary margin, the patient experienced a sharp pain at the affected spot. Furthermore the absence of a true purulent secretion, of epiphora, and of swelHng of the pal]3ebral conjunctiva, should have amply sufficed to reassure him. Poulticing, or, with strong minded persons, a small incision into the indurated part, would have quickly dissipated all cause for alarm. However trivial and harmless the appearance of a pimple on the eyelid may seem to be, constantly recurring attacks of it, known as furuncular rash, may cause serious perplexity to the most experienced surgeon. The irritation which gives rise to these inflammations, localised as they are round the hair and sebaceous follicles, may arise from an eyelash which has remained in its sheath after this should have been occupied by a new tenant. Epilation, therefore, should be recommended every two or three days, and it must be effected by the aid of gentle traction applied to the row of lashes. Similar irritation arises in certain cases from the products of the sebaceous glands, either of the integument or of the tarsal portion, becoming abnormally condensed. In order to combat this troublesome symptom, it has been recommended to apply, before retiring to rest, some fatty substance, as little irritant as possible, to the edges of the eyelids. For this pm-pose, the best pre- paration is undoubtedly the oxide of zinc ointment, prescribed as follows : Oxide of Zinc . Cold Cream, unscented 1 part. 20 parts,](https://iiif.wellcomecollection.org/image/b21948823_0026.jp2/full/800%2C/0/default.jpg)
