The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1877-07-25
MISCELLANY.
CARR ron THE EYE.

OF all members of the human body it must
be conceded that the eyes are the most impos
ed upon. Being of themselves 50 useful, Sc
willing, and SO constantly employed in thei
work of giving pleasure, profit, and instrsc
ton, they are slow to resent injuries, and on
ly give evidence of weakness or wearinesl
when taxed so far beyond their power of en-
durance that they can no longer conceal the
maltreatment to which they have been SC
ruthlessly subjected. Then, acknowledged
so serviceable, so patient, and SO submissive
to imposition, we would bespeal for them pc
culiar consideration.
The most manifest injury done the eyes is
not so much in overworking as an injudicous
ly working them. The best coulists tell US
that they should never, if it can possibly be
avoided be exposed to strong beams or pen
ellis of light We may with a certain measure
of impunity 90 out into the open air and sun
shine, in which the light is regularly diffused
and in some points glaring while the eye pos
itively refuses to entertain strong beam OF
sunlight through an interstice and in light
measure rejects the glare of gaslight or candle
light. Then, in reading, writing, sewing, OF
any employment which necessitates concen-
tration of the vision we should never allow
the eyes to be exposed directly to the light,
whether that OF day or the artificial lights
of evening. It is best, under all circumstane-
es to have the light fall over one shoulder,
and the position of the head should be such
that the eyes are shielded from the rays Of
light, while our work must be arranged SO as
to fall directly nnder the light, to make a
clear background for relief in what we are en-
gagged upon.
Neither should we sleep in position which
would subject the eyes to a full blaze, a beam
or pencil Of light upon awakening. Fora time
it is true, the eyes may submit to treatment
which is unnatural and to which they insens-
IDLY revolt but sooner or later they resent
the injuries so mercilessly inflicted and refuse
the Office they would willingly perform. It is
best then, that our sleeping apartments should
be SO arranged that the first light which
greets the eyes upon awakening in the morn
ing should be mellow and subdued aud, If
no other means can be found by which this
can be accomplished, the head of the bed up
on which we sleep should be SO turned as to
shield tho eyes from the glare of light that
would distress and mayhap blind. The eyes
thus cared for will last long in their pristine
freshness, strength, and brightness, and will
repay the little attention demanded by them
for their great case and comfort.
1t is we'll, some contend, to battle the eyes
thoroughly every morning in cold water 9TH
ers think the water should be tepid and cer-
tain Of our most learned oculists recommend
for weak eyes the bathing Of them in salt
water. Inflammation Of the balls, and even
tae lids, is moro readily subdued, we are in
clined to think, by bathing in tepid than cold
water, and we have known Of remarkable re-
lief to weak rather than inflamed eyes by the
use Of salt bath.
In cases where the lids, as well as the balls
are inflamed, sore, and losing the lashes,
something of more speedy efficacy than the
mere water bath is necessary, and some gen.
tie healing lotien should be applied. As a
remedy we have known milk, warm from the
urthst VI coW, uiupou WIN /" htsio Sois N"e-
err, used with speedy and delightful effect ;
and in cases Of severe Inflammation and irri-
tation, as an astringent, a decoction Of green
table-tea, made very sweet with the purest
white sugar Or the best molasses, thinned
with soft water. In the country very excel
lent preparation for sore and inflamed eyes
whether of the balls or lids--is made Of the
pith Of sassafras, over which warm or tepid
water is poured. 1t forms an emollient, mu.
cilaginous mixture, peculiarly grateful and
healing to all irritation. All the remedies
noted by us are simple, have been tried effect.
ually and effectively, cannot harm, and may
be relied upon in diseases or distresses of the
eyes which do not require the more active and
vigorous treatment OF skilled oculist.