In 1925, one of us (Dr. Woods1) reported a summary of experimental work previously done in the investigation of Elschnig's allergic theory of sympathetic ophthalmia and the occurrence of a hypersensitivity to uveal pigment which commonly appeared in this disease. The results of treatment with pigment, the principle of which was desensitization with an organ-specific ocular substance in patients in whom a specific hypersensitivity had been demonstrated, were likewise reported. At this time the opinion was expressed that, while there was an apparently definite allergic phase to sympathetic ophthalmia, yet this did not appear to be the only phase of the disease, and it was quite probable that other factors entered into the problem.
Since the publication of this report, other authors have reported on the allergic phase of sympathetic ophthalmia ; much other interesting experimental work has been done, and our own experience with pigment hypersensitivity