The =optic disc= is the end of the optic nerve as it comes into the
eye; it is circular in shape, pink in color, and sharply defined. It is
about 1-16th of an inch in diameter; about 15° to the nasal side of the
pole of the eye and slightly above the horizontal. There may be a dark
=choroidal ring= around the disc or part way around. There may also
be a white ring caused by the sclera. As a rule there is a depression
in the center of the disc out of which the retinal vessels emerge and
spread out over the fundus.
The =fovea centralis= or point of clearest vision is located two and a
half disc diameters to the temporal side of the disc. Around this is a
circular area of light yellow, the =macula lutea=.
The subject of ophthalmoscopy has been touched upon somewhat in detail
because of its great importance to the general practitioner. Every
osteopathic physician should know the ophthalmoscope well enough
to recognize the ordinary lesions inside the eye. When we take up
pathological conditions of the eye we will have occasion frequently
to refer to the ophthalmoscopic appearance. Without the use of this
instrument all of our clinical field research on internal diseases of
the eye is valueless. Many have told me they have cured cataract with
osteopathic treatment, some say they have cured specific neuroretinitis
with no sequelæ, others testify to opacities and blindness from
various causes. Invariably we ask if they used the ophthalmoscope in
their diagnosis and with it watched the progress of the case. Almost
invariably the answer is “no, it looked like it,” “the symptoms
indicated it,” or “Dr. so and so, an oculist diagnosed it as such.”
Fellow Osteopaths! we can not base our claims on this kind of data.
With a little study and practice the ophthalmoscope can be mastered.
Not till then can we get reliable statistics on internal diseases of
the eye in our case reports. Osteopathy has much to reveal to us in
this field and for the sake of the science and our patients we appeal
to every one to do the work here set forth.
Diseases of the Eye
OSTEOPATHIC MANIPULATION FOR EYE DISEASES
A general correction of lesions should be made in order to give perfect
alignment and equilibrium. Lesions that affect the nerve and blood
supply will be found from the fourth thoracic to the occiput; more
often at the occiput, atlas and axis in the cervical region and the
second and third thoracic in the dorsal region including the ribs.
Correction of these lesions must have specific attention in every case
of eye disease that shows any tendency to chronicity or in repeated eye
disease and exacerbations.
A thorough upper spinal treatment to insure good mobility of all joints
and establish freedom of fluids and forces is recommended.
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