CHRONIC CONJUNCTIVITIS DEPENDENT UPON DISEASE OF THE INTRA-NASAL TISSUES.

There is a form of conjunctival disease which is dependent upon chronic inflammation of the intranasal tissues. I am not aware that any author has made special mention of this subject, but some have given a passing notice without particular effort to portray the condition of the nasal and ocular mucous membrane. The intimate connection existing between the conjunctiva and the Schneiderean membrane through the medium of the vaso-motor and sympathetic nerves, does not here require elucidation.

Observation has taught that irritation affecting the ocular mucous membrane is reflected to the nasal mucous membrane, and vice versa; this action takes place through the intervention of the vaso-motor nervous system. This conjunctival disease is chronic inflammation of the conjunctiva and the connecting tissues, accompanied by increased thickness of the membrane, especially of the palpebral portion, which is very slightly roughened, giving it somewhat the appearance of trachoma in a mild form.