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21
The infection in these cases is extremely virulent, and
the sight may be permanently or partially damaged in a
short time, unless the necessary treatment is carried out
efficiently, the eyes requiring to be carefully and thoroughly
cleansed at frequent intervals. Unfortunately, illness frequently
prevents the mother giving this constant attention,
and in other cases the mother is too ignorant to carry out
the treatment satisfactorily, indeed, it is questionable if any
but a trained person has the necessary skill.
The importance of early treatment cannot be over-rated,
and every effort should be made to secure this. The earlier
treatment is begun, the less is the probability of total or
partial blindness.
27 Cases were notified during the year 1916. Of these
23 were cured, one case was admitted to the Willesden
Infirmary, and one case was still under observation at the
end of the year. In the cases of the other two the results
are not known.
Four of the above cases attended the Eye Clinic during
the year and were discharged as cured.
In addition to the above, 8 cases, which had not been
notified as Ophthalmia Neonatorum, were found by the
Health Visitors in their visits under the Notification of
Births Acts. Of these cases 4 are still under observation
at the Eye Clinic, and the other 4 cases are being followed
up at the homes by the Health Visitors.
It is only by visiting the notified births at an early date
that such cases can be brought under observation and
promptly treated.
During the year 112 visits and revisits were made by
the Health Visitors to cases suffering from this disease.