An affection of the cornea is always a serious matter, and requires to be treated with the utmost care.

In all forms of inflammation of the cornea, from the slightest desquamation of the epithe lium to abscess, absolute proscription of all astringent collyria - metallic or vegetable should be the rule.

Always examine carefully the state of this membrane before giving a collyrium of sulphate of zinc, nitrate of silver, alum, borax, or any other of like character.

Cold applications and caustics retard recovery, and increase trouble.

As many affections of the cornea are but the local manifestations of a general dyscrasy, treatment should be directed towards the general condition.

Very frequently an ulcer of the cornea, if not due directly to lachrymal trouble, is prevented by it from getting well, and quickly recovers upon correcting the affection of the tear passage.

The use of atropine is efficacious in nearly all affections of the cornea. It tends to relieve the photophobia, and the circum-corneal injection, acts as a narcotic, and calms the pain by producing, as it were, anaesthesia of the ciliary nerves. It influences powerfully the intra ocular circulation, produces paralysis of the muscles of accommodation, and diminution of the interocular tension, all of which are important factors in the treatment of corneal affections.

The neutral preparation (sulphate) should be used, and the strength may vary from gr. j - jv to one ounce of water.

There is less danger in the discriminate use of a solution of sulphate of atropia than in astringent or caustic lotions.

In some cases of corneal trouble (phlyctenulae), much benefit is derived by the daily insufflation of an exceedingly small quantity of calomel.

Painting the lids (externally) with tincture of iodine, or a solution of nitrate of silver, will sometimes relieve intolerance of light, as will also suddenly dipping the face in cold water.

Sulphate of eserine has been very much lauded in late abscess of the cornea, and in some cases with astonishingly favorable results. It is apt to favor the formation of posterior synechias, but this is not of so much importance, for in a majority of severe cases iridectomy would be necessary any way, and its use does not in any way interfere with the subsequent performance of the operation.

Warm, moist fomentation, for ten or fifteen minutes at a time three or four times a day, is in some cases (abscess with hypopion) particularly to be commended.

In all forms of purulent opthalmia, it is very essential to watch anxiously the cornea, and if necessary incise, or even excise portions of the chemosed conjunctiva.

In all cases we should place the organ in a condition of repose, and the patient in as good hygienic condition as possible.

The compressive bandage is a valuable adjunct to the treatment of many of these affections.

By its use we prevent the irritation caused by the rubbing of the lids during the act of winking.

Nitrate of silver, and sugar of lead lotions, if used while there is abrasion of the epithelium of the cornea, are apt to leave metallic stains or deposits, which is another reason why they should be rejected in the treatment of corneal affections.

If an opacity of the cornea exists, it can be hidden very effectually by tattooing with Indian ink, a very important fact in cases of females.

- Eugene Smith, M. D.