The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1879-02-06
scientific American.
Care of the Ewes.

From the great demand for the eight
numbers of the Supplement to the Scien-
titic American, in which appeared series
OF articles on the preservation of the eye
sight, it is evidently a subject in which
most persons are more than ordinarily
interested. As a writer on the care OF
the eyes, in an English paper, recently
said: ''All are anxious to do this, but few
know how effectually to do so, and many
never think of the matter till failing eye
sight warns them that it is absolutely
necessary. By the latter" says the same
writer, "the following suggestions will bs
read with interest:
"The sight in most persons begins to
fail from forty to fifty years of age, as is
evidenced by an instructive preference
for large print; seat near the window
for reading is selected there is an effort
to place the paper at convenient dis
tance from the eye, or to turn it so as to
get a particular reflection of the light Z;
next the finger begins to be placed under
the line read, and there is winking of
the eye as if to clear it, or looking away
at some distant object to rest it; or the
fingers are pressed over the closed lids in
the direction of the nose, to remove the
tears caused by straining
Favor the failing sight as much as
possible Looking into a bright fire. es-
pecially coal fire, is very injuries to the
eye. Looking at molten iron will soon
destroy the sight reading in the twi-
light is injurious to the eyes, as they are
obliged to make great exertion. Read
ing or sewing with a side light Injuries
the eyes, as both eyes should be exposed
to an equal degree of light. The reason
IS, the sympathy between the eyes is so
great that if the pupil of one is dilated
by being kept partially in the shade, the
one that is most exposed cannot contract
itself sufficiently for protection, and will
ultimately be injured. Those who wish
to preserve their sight should observe
their general health by correct habit:
list. By sitting in such a position as
will allow the light to fall obliquely over
the shoulder upon the page or sewing.
I'D. By not using the eyes for such
purposes by any artificial light.
Sd. By avoiding the special use of the
eyes in the morning before breakfast.
"4th. By resting them for half min
ute or so while reading or sewing or look
ing at small objects; and by looking at
things at distance, or up to the sky ;
relief is Immediately felt by so doing.
18th. Never pick any collected matter
from the eyelashes or corners of the eyes
with the finger-nails rather moisten it
with the saliva and rub it away with the
bail of the finger
18th. Frequently pass the hall of the
finger over the closed eyelids toward the
nose; this carries off an excess of water
in to the nose itself by means of the little
canalwhich leads into the nostril from
each inner corner of the eye, this canal
having tendency to close up in conse-
quence of the slight Inflammation which
attends weakness of eyes.
s"7th. Keep the feet always dry and
warm, SO as to draw any excess of blood
from the other end of the body.
18th. Use eyeglasses at first carried
in the vest pocket attached to a guard,
for they are instantly adjusted to the eye
with very little trouble, whereas, if COM
mon spectacles are used such process is
required to get them ready that to save
trouble the eyes are often strained to an
sWer a purpose.
10Th. Wash the eyes abundantly ev-
cry morning. If cold water is used let it
be tapped against the closed eyes with
the fingers, not striking hard against the
balls of the eyes.
"10ths The Tmoment the eyes feel tir-
ed, the very moment you are conscious
of an effort to read or sew, lay aside the
book or needle, and take walk for an
hour, or employ yourself in some active
exercise not requiring the close use of
the eyes.