Ophthalmia

Inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the eyelids and covering the eyeball. It varies in severity from a slight bloodshot to an intense inflammation quickly involving other structures and destroying vision. One element of causation is the presence of pathogenic bacteria, hence the disease is contagious and proper precaution should always be taken to prevent its spread. In slight cases the treatment is simple, a solution of boric acid dropped in the eye several times a day sufficing. Poulticing the eye should be avoided. Severe cases tax the skill of the best ophthalmologists. Egyptian Ophthalmia is a very severe form prevalent in Egypt and other countries where there is an exce of light with abundance of dust, especially if combined with lack of personal cleanline . Ophthalmia of the new born attacks children in the first weeks of their lives. About 20 per cent of the blind among children are from this cause. Many States now have laws compelling the immediate reporting by the attendant to the family physician or health officer of any redne seen on the white of the eye of any baby under two weeks old, under pain of heavy penalty.