=Symptoms.=—The ophthalmoscope must be used in diagnosis. There is at
first cloudiness of the retina; the outlines of the papilla become
indistinct. We may note light patches of exudates. The vessels are
more tortuous and often there are hemorrhagic spots. Opacities in
the vitreous due to the exudate may be seen. Vision is disturbed in
proportion to the inflammation. Weeks or months are required for
recovery. Atrophy may set in and cause blindness.
=Cause.=—Many general diseases are found back of this trouble, e. g.
albuminuria, diabetes, leukemia, syphilis, gout and arteriosclerosis.
Idiopathic cases occur with none of these diseases present, which gives
a field for osteopathic research.
=Treatment= should be directed against the general disease when
present. For local effects treatment should be given to all the centers
and localities that affect the trophism, nerve supply and circulation
to the eye. Protect the eye by dark glass or confinement to a dark room
and complete rest. Keep the bowels free and produce diaphoresis.