Keratitis

(ker-at-i’ ’-tis) [nEpag, cornea; itic, inflammation]. Inflammation of the cornea. K. bullosa, the formation of large or small blebs upon the cornea of an eye, the seat of iridocyclitis, interstitial keratitis, or glaucoma. K., Interstitial, a form of keratitis in which the entire cornea is invested with a diffuse hazine , almost completely hiding the iris. The surface of the cornea presents a ground gla appearance. Later, from ciliary injection, blood-ve els form in the superficial layers of the cornea, and produce a dull-red color, the ” salmon patch” of Hutch in son. The entire cornea may become cherry-red. The disease is most frequent between the ages of five and fifteen, and occurs in syphilitic individuals. K. neuroparalytica, keratitis following lesion of the trifacial nerve. Its cause is lo of trophic influence, aided by mechanic irritation and drying of the cornea. K., Phlyctenular, a variety characterized by the formation of small papules or pustules, often a ociated with similar lesions upon the conjunctiva. Itis marked by much local congestion, lacrimation, and intense photophobia. K. punctata, a secondary affection of the cornea in a ociation with affections of the iris, choroid, and vitreous. It is characterized by the formation of opaque dots, generally arranged in a triangular manner upon the posterior elastic lamina of the cornea. It is sometimes designated as descemetitis. K. purulent a, that accompanied by the formation of pus. K., Trachomatous. See Pannus. K., Traumatic, that consequent upon wounds or other injury of the cornea. 348