Like other parts of the ocular apparatus, the third eyelid and gland of
Harder are subject to accidental injuries of various kinds. What is
worse, ignorant persons seeing the cartilage and membrane projected over
the eye in ophthalmias and tetanus, have mistaken it for a morbid
product and deliberately cut it off in part. The condition of the organ
may be ascertained by parting the lids with the fingers and pressing
gently on the front of the eyeball, when the nictitating membrane will
be fully exposed.
If detached portions cannot be restored, but threaten to slough, or
cause distortions or unsightly and irritating neoplasms they should be
seized with forceps and snipped off with scissors. Otherwise the
treatment consists in soothing astringent and anodyne Collyria as in
conjunctivitis.