In cow pox, horse pox, and above all sheep pox, the infection sometimes
falls on the conjunctiva, giving rise to the formation of the specific
eruption on that membrane. The coexistent eruption on other parts of the
body (udder, heels, hairy portions of skin) of the specific variolous
eruption, furnishes the means of a satisfactory diagnosis. The lesions
in the eye develop rapidly to an extreme severity. The lids are swollen
and closed, lachrymation abundant, and early mixed with pus, and when
exposed the conjunctiva is strongly congested with circumscribed areas
of elevation. In cow pox these are circular in form, raised above the
surrounding mucosa, having a deep red areola and a paler, flattened
center. In _sheep pox_ the elevations have the same general character,
but are liable to be more numerous and confluent, and tend to permanent
opacities, cicatrices, and perforations of the cornea with loss of the
eye. Short of perforation, internal inflammations are not uncommon.
_Treatment._ At the outset this form may be aborted by the application
of silver nitrate solution (2 ∶ 100) or sodium hyposulphite (1½ ∶ 100).
Otherwise the local treatment is like that for simple conjunctivitis,
cooling astringent and sedative lotions, and if need be, derivatives and
eliminants.