The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1902-10-31
IMPORTANT
QUESTIONS
EYE SIGHT IN RELATION TO
HEALTH.
EVOLUTION OF THE EYE
There Are Other Important Thinus
to Be Attained Besides
Vision,

the eyes there are other important
things to be attained besides vision
that there is an important physilog-
ical side to the question that weighs
quite equal to that of vision. 1t is a
knowledge of this physiological aspect
that, the author hopes, will enable the
reader, by proper care Of his vision,
to make life happier, or at least more
endurable.
We are living in swift civilization.
| We are following callings and pur-
suits widely different from those of
our near ancestors; and our various
systems and organs have not had
time to evolute to those changes
| which are necessary to cope with our
| present requirements without under
going great discomforts and serious
ly curtailing our lives.
Max Nordan, in his Degeneration
graphically pictures a grewsome state
of the nervous conditions of the COM
ing generations; but he gives no spe-
cific cause and offers no remedy. 1t
is sought in this to elucidate some Of
the heretofore obscure yet prime
causes that are wrecking the nervous
systems and lives of today's civiliza-
ton, and remedy is modestly sug-
geste to the reader.
Often our health and much Of our
lives are sacrificed to an improper use
Of vision. 1t may seem extravagant
to attribute so much to the eyes; but
it is the province Of this article to
show that it is fact.
If you are tired or nervous, go to
the window and for few moments
look off into the far distance. At the
same time take note of the soothing,
calming feeling that comes over your
entire being. Then turn again to do
ing something that requires close
range of vision, and at once the nerv-
BUSINESS will return. This is sim
pie, easy thing to do, and may afford
you much valuable information.
Business men, when tired, often
close their eyes for a moment, as they
have learned by intuition that it rests
closing the eyes has such a calming
effect is because when they are clos
ed one-third of the brain is for time
being shut off from work
Physical labor induces health; but
all occupations requiring close use
of the eyes tend to break it down.
Many students sacrifice their health
and lives in attaining an education,
because of the brain strain sustained
by the close use of the eyes.
With our present knowledge most
of these evils can be avoided.
The wide difference as to health in
and out of doors is well illustrated
by calling to attention the farm wO-
man of Flanders, the fish-wives of
Leith, the slave woman VIII works
on plantations. They are all as hardy
and muscular as men. The athletic
woman is stronger for being out of
DOORS Now for moment let us look
at the converse side. Strong, mus
cular men leave their country life and
take up office callings in cities, where
4 close range of vision is required.
Usually their nervous systems break
down and their lives are much short
ened.
The eyes OF man and the brain CEN
ters that d. their work have been
built up and originally adapted to out
of-door use, and when they are requir-
ed to do near work constantly, say
13 inches, then a strain takes place
deep in the middle of the brain to
sustain the near focus and converg-
ence of the eyes.
For the passed 25 years oculists
nave been advocating the fact that
eye-strain may be the cause of head
aches, nervousness and many func-
;ional diseases. Many now attribute
he effect of "open-air life" to a natur-
Il relief of eye-strain and it's attend
ng disorders.
A natural query would be, What
class of diseases are due to it, and
IAN be cured by removing the cause?"
And general answer, it seems. would
meet this question. All diseases are
emphasized or made worse by any
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