Some observations on cataract extraction / by R. H. Elliot.

  • Elliot, Robert Henry, 1864-1936.
Date:
[1908]
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Some observations on cataract extraction / by R. H. Elliot. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by UCL Library Services. The original may be consulted at UCL (University College London)

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    the lihove membranes, operation is postponed for the sake of further ti^atment. To hriiif^ an eye with an inflamed conjunctiva into a lielilthy state is not always a simple matter, and tiot infrequently tiie us'e of strong raeasui-es delays the desired result. Under such circumstatices the use of chinosol solution, of argvro], or of weak protargol and other such non-irritating reme^lies proves very valnable. On the other hand, recalcitrant cases with a large amount of purulent dis-charge often yield best to strong silver or to forcible friction with n 1 per cent, solution of perchlorid-e of mercury. In all such matters judgment and experience play an important role. When there is obstruction or inflammation of the lachrymai passages, extirpation of the sac is a valuable measure and one I resort to without the least hesitation. It has been performed 325 times in this hospital during the last three and a half years. The bacteriological examination of the con- junctiva in every case is unfortunately impossible here at present owing to the large numbers we have to deal with. The Preparation of the Patient FOR Operation. Lt.-Coi. Herbert, iM.s. (retd ), has for many years advocated the antiseptic treatment of tlie conjunctiva before operation. At one time I gave this method a trial, but unfortunately dropped it, discouraged by a few bad results. I therefore confined myself to a caieful scrubbing of the conjunctiva by means of cotton wool swabs mounted on small sticks, and carefully sterilised in the steam steriliser. Even with the greatest care I found that at