WOUNDS OF THE SCLERA.
Covered as it is by the bones of the orbit, and by the palpebræ the sclera is little liable to traumatic lesions. Wounds with swords, needles, nails, splinters of wood, and other sharp pointed bodies are not unknown, however, and penetration by shot is especially common in setters. Rupture from blows of clubs, beams, poles, stumps, etc., are also met with.
The symptoms are profuse lachrymation with more or less of blood, and when the eyelids are separated the wound may be discovered and its gravity estimated by protrusion of the vitreous. Slight injuries which are not infected heal readily under the treatment recommended for keratitis. Infecting and penetrating wounds are liable to cause panophthalmitis and destruction of the eye. Foreign bodies, if present, should be removed when possible. Pyoktannin is especially recommended by Stilling.