Small, dirty perforating wounds of the eye generally have rather grave consequences. This case is reported because not only was it a serious type of injury but there was much delay in beginning treatment.
M. O'R., a white man aged 78, first seen in the dispensary on July 9, 1944, stated that on July 5, while at work, he was struck in the left eye with a piece of bailing wire. He stated that the eye gave him no trouble until July 8, when it became painful and inflamed. On that day he applied for treatment at one of the general hospitals, where he was instructed to report to us immediately but did not find his way here until the following day.
The patient's past history was noncontributory. Although he was 78 years old he was still doing a "day's work." Physical examination was negative except for