The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-01-16
HEALTH AND CARE OF EYES.
Weak or Inlsmcd Ewes Frequently the
Cause 81 Headaches.
GLASSES MAY Be DISPENSED WITH
Some valuable suggestions ms to tho
Care of the sight by the Voted spe-
ciaiist, Dr. w. I. seymour--Ad-
vantnEes OF Glasses In
Early Life.

Much has been said and written upon
the hygiene of the body, of habitations, OF
the school, factory and dwelling. and we
have many treatises on the care Of the
sick, on drainage, water supplies and
alterations, all of which is intended to add
to the general knowledge Of preventive
medicine and there can be no question
Of the desirability OF wide diffusion OF
intelligence on these matters. 1t is OBJ
vious. however, that III the public mind
had more intelligent comprehension Of
the value of eyesight, the cause of many
eye troubles and the best means by which
they might be counteracted, it would aid
In the real groundwork OF our general
health.
The eyes, sustaining as they do, such
close relations with some Of the most i'm
portant organs OF the body, not only by
continuity OF structure. but by intimate
nerve communication. are frequently found
to be the catse-either existing or predis-
posing-of some OF the most trying and
painful diseases known to pathology. Not
withstanding this fact, the practice OF
thousands of people reveals the want OF
appreciation of the important indications
frequently furnished by diseased condi-
conditions often observed in the eyes OF
children; sore and innamed-often termed
weak eyes"-frowning, squirting, looking
sideways, wearing hats or bonnets closely
drawn over the eyes to protect Them from
the light and hundreds of little indications
which the intelligent observer would know
to be due to a weakness of this organ.
We all know that during early child
hood the tissues and membranes are softer.
more vascular and sensitive and that the
nervous system usually predominates.
Hence 1t is that these conditions appar
emily improve with the development and
the parents unwittingly suggest that they
are outgrowing their trouble when, as u
matter of fact. they are simply learning
to contend with these deformities which
they naturally accept as n matter of
course, never dreaming that the view
they obtain of this world is contorted and
unnatural.
The treatment here. as in all other
troubles, is to first remove the cause of
the irritation. In this instance it lis ac-
complished by furnishing proper glasses,
which not only improve the eyesight ma
terially. but relieve Inflammation and
irritation. which, IL allowed to continue
often terminates in chronic conditions that
can never be wholly eradicated. There are
many mothers and some physicians who
object seriously to this course, simply as
a matter Of prejudice. and. could the
facts be properly presented to them they
would realize how much depends upon
their overcoming this antipathy to glasses
and would doubtless take rational view
OF this subject.
Furthermore. after these steps have
been taken general improvement in the
child's health is often very noticeable. .
The headaches are relieved the appetite
is better and in fact its whole nervous
system is improved by relieving the I'M
natural strain on its sight.
The devoted and conscientious optcan
of today endeavors TO use the means
placed at his disposal in building up and
preserving these delicate organs, knowing
that his work will be fully appreciated
as time demonstrates to the parents the
value of his services. Every parent and
teacher should make a careful study OF
this subject, and while ii Is seldom neces-
sary to take active steps until the child
has reached five years of age or more the {.
actual condition of each eye should be
known to be perfect before child IS al |,
lowed to take up school work
The advantages of proper glasses are
manifold. First. In procuring the proper
sight: second, in relieving nervous CON d,
ditions; third, relieving irritation. in
famed eyes, etc; fourth, making UP any
differences which NAV exist In the two
eyes. and in fact | might add vari rus
ether reasons why this matter should be
given careful consideration. the most i'm
portant. think being the general inn
provement that is sure to result from
giving these matters early attention and /
the fact that children. when properly as Il
sisted in early life. stand much better
chance of dispensing with glasses in flu
ture years.
Dr. seymour opens his office at the
Capitol hotel on Wednesday, 18th instant.
Consultation free for three DAYS. Satur
day Will be devoted exclusively to school
children. Consultation free of charge.