This condition fortunately is but rarely encountered. Displacement of the eyeball from its socket is usually the result of direct violence received in fighting.

Simple protrusion without laceration of the attachments of the eye can, if recent, be easily overcome. The eye should be returned as soon as possible. Bathing with warm milk and water will remove dust and all impurities which may have collected on the parts, and a little sweet oil then applied renders the reduction easier. An assistant will be needed to open as widely as possible the eyelids, and it may be necessary to draw the upper one well forward with a pair of forceps. Firm, steady, but gentle pressure should be made on the eyeball, and maintained until it returns to its socket, or until evident its reduction is doubtful. When this is apparent the outer corner of the eye should be snipped with the scissors to enlarge the opening, a method which will generally prove sufficient when reduction is again attempted.

The lids should be drawn together by a stitch after the eye is returned, and the parts constantly bathed with cold water.