University of Virginia Library

AFFECTIONS OF THE EYE

Ocular massage is being used more every day; we use the second finger mostly but also instruments like corneal spoon, glass rod, etc. We press either on the lid to act upon the lid itself or to act upon the ball by firmer pressure. See Fig. 25. Massage of the lid is used mostly to absorb extravasations in black-eye. The Scandinavian oculists employ ocular massage freely to hasten the complete maturation

of an unripe cataract. The Russian Maklakow has invented an electric vibrator in which percussion is given by a small hammer striking the ball regularly several thousand times a minute.

Massage is used for several chronic inflammations of the eye. By local massage we increase the circulation around the eye, and act directly upon the cornea. When we desire to see more clearly we rub the eyes, instinct telling us to remove from the cornea such particles as are stagnated. Certain swellings of the eyelids have been treated with great success by massage in the clinics of Schmidt, Rimpler, Rossander and Pagenstecher.

Cases of maculæ corneæ (granules on the cornea) have been very successfully treated. In some cases it is wise to apply massage on the whole front part of the affected side, and also on the same side of the neck.

General massage is frequently used to strengthen the nervous system, thus giving effect upon the optic nerve.

Manual treatment must never be applied to the eye without an order from a physician.