The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1879-02-06
Care OF the Eyes.

The sight in most persons begins to
fail from forty to fifty years of age, rs 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 go as to
get particular reflection of the light
next the finger begins to be placed un.
der the line read, and there is a winking
of the eye as If to clear it, or looking
away at some distant object to clear it
or the fingers are pressed over the closed
lids in the direction of the nose, to re.
move the tears caused by straining.
Favor the failing sight as much as
possible. Looking into bright fire,
especially coal fire, is very injurious
to the eyes. Looking at molten iron
will soon destroy the sight ; reading in
the twilight is injurious to the eyes, as
they are obliged to make great exertion.
Reading or sewing with a side light in
jures 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 pro-
lection, aud will ultimately be injured.
Those who wish to preserve their sight
should observe the following rules, and
preserve their general health by correct
habits:
LIST. BY sitting in such position as
will allow the light to fall obliquely
over the shoulder upon the page or sew
ing.
I'd. By not using the eyes for such
purposes by any artificial light.
3D.. By avoiding the special use of
the eyes in the morning before break
fast.
4th. By resting them for half min
ute or so while reading or sewing or
looking at small objects and by looking
at things at distance, or up to the sky
relief is Immediately felt by so doing.
9th. Never pick any collected matter
from the eyelashes or corners of the
eyes with the finger-nails rather moist
en- it with the saliva and rub it away
with the ball of the finger.
9th. Frequently rass the ball Of the
finger over the closed eyelids toward the
nose this carries off an excess of water
into the nose itself by means of the little
canal which leads into the nostril from
each inner corner of the eye, this canal
having a tendency to close up in con-
sequence of the light Inflammation which
attends the weakness OF the eyes.
7th. Keep the feet always dry and
warm, 60 as to draw any excess of blood
from the other end of the body.
9Th. Use eyeglasses at first carried in
the vest pocket attached to the guard, for
they are instantly adjusted to the eye
with very little trouble, whereas, if COM
mon speotacles are used such process
is required to get them ready that to
have trouble the eyes are often strained
to answer purpose.
9th. Wash the eyes abundantly every
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.
10th. The moment the eyes feel tired,
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.