Thuja-Epithelioma of the lids.
Syphilitic Ulcers, Chancre, and Gummata are all occasionally found on the eyelids, and should be treated the same as occurring elsewhere. The most useful remedies are the following prescribed according to general indications: Arsenicum, Apis., Aurum Cannab, Hepar, Kali iod., Mercurius, Nitric ac., and Thuja.
Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus commences with severe neuralgic pains along the supraorbital division of the fifth nerve of one side, sometimes the nasal and rarely the infra-orbital branch of the same nerve. The skin becomes swollen and red, covered with herpetic vesicles which unite, crusts form upon them, followed by ulcerations which ultimately leave deep cicatrices. The cause of the disease is probably an inflammation of the nerve and the Gasserian ganglion belonging to it. The disease involves one-half of the face, never extending beyond the median line, and has often associated with it corneal ulcers and iritis. The intense pain that precedes the herpetic eruption may last for a few hours, or extend over months, but usually subsides with the appearance of the vesicles.
TREATMENT-the remedies most useful are; Arsenicum, Croton tig., Electricity, Cantharis, Graphites Merc, Puls, Ranunc., bulb and Rhus.
Contusions are very often found, and are frequently accompanied by some lesion of the globe on orbit.
TREATMENT-Immediately after contused wounds of the lids, cold compresses should be employed; they should be applied with a firm bandage, which often proves of advantage in limiting the amount of ecchymosis.
Arnica, our great remedy for all contusions, deserves its extensive reputation for curing “black eyes,” as there is no other drug better adapted to this condition. A solution of the tincture in water, ten drops to the ounce, is usually employed, though both stronger and weaker solutions are in vogue. Ledum, used in the same manner, has also proved of service.
Wounds- We may have an incised, lacerated, or penetrating wound of the lid; and, in all cases, the condition of the orbit and globe should be carefully examined to see if they remain intact.
TREATMENT-The first object in view should be to bring together the edges of the wound by means of sutures, adhesive strips or collodion. If the wound is incised, without any contusion, and the edges are early brought accurately together, a dry dressing will often be found most beneficial.
Hamamelis and Ledum have both been recommended for wounds of the lids.
Burns and Scalds must be treated as usual in other parts of the body, except that care should be taken to prevent the union of the lids (ankyloblepharon) by frequently opening them, and by inunction of the edges with simple-cerate or cosmoline; also, great attention should be paid to the prevention of a cicatrix (which causes ectropium) by keeping the skin on the stretch by a bandage during the period of cicatrization. Cosmoline is especially recommended as an external application.
When dependent upon the stings of insects, the sting should be removed and cold water dressings applied.
Professor of Ophthalmology in the College of the New York Ophthalmic Hospital; Surgeon to the New York Ophthalmic Hospital. Visiting Oculist to the Laura Franklin Free Hospital for Children; Ex-President American Homoeopathic Ophthalmological, Otological and Laryngological Society. First Vice-President American Institute of Homoeopathy : President Homoeopathic Medical Society of the State of New York ; Editor Homoeopathic Eye. Ear and Throat Journal : Associate Editor. Department of Ophthalmology, North American Journal of Homoeopathy, etc.