Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1888-02-29
DEFECT OF VISION.
FACTS FOR THE CONSIDERATION
OF PARENTS AND GUARDIANS.

FACTS FOR THE CONSIDERATION
OF PARENTS AND GUARDIANS.
A Most Common and Disagreeable Do.
formity-Remedy for "Cross Eye
Cause of Avkwardness In Children
Use of spectacles-Good Rules.
By far the most varied and frequent dis
orders of the ewes, those giving rise to the
gravest complaints, are those depending
upon defect of vision A few of these dis
orders may, with advantage, be brought to
the attention of each parent and guardian:
''Cross eyer is q most common and dis
agreeable deformity, and is the result of de-
fective vision 1t is usually found in but one
eye, and is not noticed till the child reaches
an age at which intelligent observation
begins, say over 1-2 years. Every conceiv.
able device has been tried for its correction,
binding up the straight eye, binding up the
squirting eye, wearing OF patches and
shades, compelling vision through small
holes in black disks, etc, but none are sue
cessful, for none embrace the correction Of
the cause. 'sCross eye" depends upon defec-
tive vision and the existence of greater de-
feet in one eye than in tho other. When
long neglected, the squirting eye loses sharp
ness Of vision, even to the point of blindness,
after which, even though Strengthened, sight
cannot be restored The remedy for cross
eye lies in the correction Of the vision by
means of glasses, and where this can be per-
fectly done and the child is not too old, the
eyes become straight. II the squint is too
confirmed, the glasses must be assisted by op-
GRAFTON. A cross eyed child over 10 years Of
age is a constant reproach to its parents
What mother can excuse herself for allowing
her child to become blind in an eyel The de-
formity itself is too hideous to be neglected
What mother is prepared to accept the just
censure her neglect or penuriousness will re-
ceive from her cross eyed child in later yearsi
The fact that it is only a ''cross eyer does
not restore vision when the child becomes an
adult.
AWKWARD CHILDREN.
Eye strain and imperfect Hsion are not al
ways accompanied by manifest conditions,
such IS spoken of above. The eye gives no
external sign of many of its worst troubles
For instance: A boy is noticed constantly
blinking his eyelids. demonstrate with him
and he says he "cannot help it" but that it is
worse upon use of the eyes; yet his eyes show
no evidence Of weakness. After q time his
whole face works in unison with the eyelids,
and later on bis shoulders and even his arms
are in motion. Punishment avails nothing
in breaking tho so called "habit; ~ it grows
worse Examination of his eyes reveals de-
feet; correct it by proper glasses; and behold,
in few days he has forgotten to blink his
eyes and shrug his shoulders. Another child
buries the side OF his head into his book and
looks at you with head and neck awry He
grows actually lopsided Whyi Because be
is finding the most comfortable way of sec
ing Straighten his vision, allow him to sec
in all directions equally, and, if not already
too long neglected, he will carry himself erect
and look squarely at everything.
Here approaches girl with handsome,
soft eyes; her gait is awkward and her step
hesitating and uncertain. You are moved to
pity by the thought of what a clumsy, IN
calmly woman she will become. Yes pity
her! The girl cannot see beyond the length
of her own arm-how then can she know
where she is walking, or upon whats Can
you wonder she is timid, nervous pale and
excitable' Adopt the means Of letting her
see; correct her near sightedness and watch
the change A young woman may be con.
spicuous for apparent ignorance. Her parents
say she always had sore eyes when studying
or going TO school, SO they put her to work.
The sore eyes were not the result of study,
but of bad vision, and her parents must 70
ceive the blame for not having had her eyes
put in condition for use. And now, though
the vision may be good, it may be too late
for her to gain oil that was lost to her in the
opportunities of childhood.
USE OF sPEcTAcLEs.
Let every mother lay aside her prejudice
against spectacles and remember that if her
child's welfare, comfort and happiness can
be advanced by wearing them it is her i'm.
perative duty to provide them. No child,
however, should be allowed to select the
glasses to correct its own defect, for oft
times these furnishing temporary relief will
produce a vast amount of harm to the eve.
The corrections, particularly with children,
must be left to the competent special physi
Clan.
How frequent are the following express
sions: ~ get sleepy if 1 read" II cannot
thread needle at night 81 never read-it
gives me headache" ''Sewing by hand
makes my temples pain" etc. Not one Of
these expressions contains an allusiOn to the
eyes, yet each one of them indicates that
there is some trouble with one or both eyes
which needs attention. Constant headache,
boring pain in the top, back or side of the
head, with a regular sick headache once OF
twice week, are not infrequen: symptoms.
Every doctor in the neighborhood exhausts
himself upon the case In sheer despair q
specialist is consulted. Inquiry ELECTS the
fact that there is never pain in the eyes, oad
Eyes, will wear glasses, but know it will do
no good" But what is the satisfaction to
tho former sufferer when weeks after weeks
pass by and no sick headaches! Friends may
call it affectation, but glasses mean comfort
and they are worn.
Good rules to observe are: Use the eyes
freely; do not abuse them; always have
plenty of light, but, when possible, avoid a
glare; if possible have the light falling over
the shoulder or from behind; read but little
or not at all in the lying position; avoid
reading by twilight Inability to use the
eyes means something; find out what it is.
Allow 10 Inflammation or pain in the eyes to
be neglected, ard bear in mind that many
an obscure pain or ache may be due to over
taxed eyes or defective vision.-Ladies
Home Journal.
Possibilities of Saccharine.
Saccharine, it seems need not cause
anxiety TO the sugar planters. It is true