Omaha daily bee., 1915-08-02
Movies ald the Eyes


Literary Digest ----------
TT YOUR EYES strong ana normal looking at
Il moving pictures will do them no harm; II they are
weak, you had better stay away. This would appear
TO be the general conclusion OF a symposium on the
subject. gathered and printed by The Medical Times
New York, JULY. The first writer. DR. J. Norman
Fsley OF Philadelphia that the elements likely
to be the source OF Irritation to the delicate structures
Of the eyes are "flickering" or vibration. and in
accurate and variable focusing the pictures also
the relation the light reflected from the screen
bears to the visual plane of the observer To
normal spectator the undue effort required to main
tain distinct vision under these circumstances often
produces discomfort but this subsidies and perma-
nent Injury results Where the retroactive powers Of
the eye defective-a condition more common than
the normal one-eye-strain with its accompanying
disorders will probably follow
ut seems to me-" says DR. Risley that the mo-
onpcture exhibition in its effect upon the eyes
be classified only additional irritation and
stimulation to the numerous others characteristic of
the tense and active neuroc life period 1t is
as rule. only those individuals with uncorrected op
teal defects. pathological organic changes, who
experience discomfort injury from the Irritating
features OF the motion-pcture which then only
the exciting factor In the crisis resulting long
standing predisposing cause The influences of the
motion picture often work for the individual welfare
since In many instances. the existence of optical
defect is unknown until subjected TO strain in view
ing these projected images The Irritating features
are possible Of elimination by accurate mech
anism regulating the relation between the condensins
and projecting lenses, in the selection Of
the glass used and In the grinding of the lenses and
scientific understanding optical principles by those
who are responsible for the placing operating OF
the projecting machines The Irritating feature
to the the exposure 10 the reflected rays
and this condition should be remedied. As municipal
regulation forbids the placing Of stationary struc-
ture in public auditorium in a situation where II
may interfere with the rapid exit when emergency
arises II prevents the installation OF the pcture-in
struments at point from which II Is possible 10 pro-
ject the pictures to the screen horizontal plane
Would II not. however. be possible TO locate the
projecting machines In the basement at a central
point 70 the rear Of the audience. have open
in the floor through which the pictures could
be projected to the screen ascending plane Of
sufficient degree to reflect the above the visual
line OF the audience, and thus remove most irritat
ng feature OF otherwise pleasing and interesting
diversion7"
That any one with thoroughly sound eyes, not
weary before entering the theater. can watch the
movies from an hour to an hour and half without
discomfort Is the opinion OF Dr. j. Herbert Claiborne
OF New York, another contributor to the symposium
Others ne advises avoid until trouble
IL corrected. Says DR.. Claiborne, in addition:
THE movies have come to us to stay, and con-
slider them source OF interesting. instructive, and in
nocent amusement, economical TO the last degree
Moving pictures the only good things know Of in
this world that likes that cost little and
great pleasure. This IL what have been looking
for for all time, and think they have found it at
last but the important feature of the movies
gradually coming to recognize It, is the educa
tiona It IL TO be hoped that In the future many
II not ALL of the historical events Of this country will.
be presented. without prejudice the instruction
particularly Of children and likewise Of all of u.s."
Some objectionable features of moving pictures
from the visual standpoint cataioged by Dr. Seth
Scott Bishop OF Chicago who writes;
Zone very serious oteecticn to the in which
the pictures projected the the pres
ence. In OF them. of innumerabe gmmering
flashing. and dancing bright spots that try the eyes
But these DO not characterize the best class of pic
lures which shows that they be eliminated.
Another feature which puts a test upon
the eyes IL the unnatural swiftness with which the
films reeled off. making every action abnormally
rapid and jerVy. converting the actors walk into
Chinese trot. and giving all the partcipators sort
Of st. Vituss dance
But the common practice OF flashing written let
tiers and printed matter and off the with
almost lightning CELEBRITY puts the greatest strain of
all upon the eyes. The audience IN it's to
get an intelligent understanding OF the action. makes
strong effort TO read the lines, but they given
opportunity TO read all OF them In many instances
and are kept on a strain IN the strenuous effort to
grasp them at q fleeing glance.
Another effect Of watching moving pictures. worth
mentioning In this connection although II lie not In
furious TO the Is pronounced hypnotic exper-
fence that many people have particularly when tho
hours and IL not of very exciting nature The drow
siness that of the audience is
complete to induce loss Of CONSEQUENCES in sleep
for short periods OF time in spite OF effort TO
keep awake in well-ventlated theaters This Is
comparable TO the effect OF gazing xediy at bright
object which Is employed by hypnotsts TO tire the
muscles OF the eyes until hypnotic state 10
brought on"
Finally. DR.. Dunbar RoS Of Atlanta. Ca,
moving picture fans" that most persons naturally
have weak eyes"-thRt is, eyes which water easily,
become red at moments notice and probably have
uncorrected OF refraction. such persons
not the who ought TO visit the movies frequently
BY him todi
'Retinal Irritation and retina fatigue certainly
symptoms produced q great many people who watch
these films The exercise Of the retina might be
pared 10 rapid contraction OF the muscles In exercise
Iong-oontinued and rapid contrecons will LEAD
20 fatigue There great many men who
smoke six or eight cigars day without any injurious
effect upon their physical constitution and yet
others who will be highly affected by the smok
ing OF cigar This principle holds true in the et
feet OF moving pictures the When person
realizes that his or her fatgued. burn. be-
come red. water easily. ache. and possibly have
dun frontal headache after watching moving PFC
ture performance Il rather indicative that TO these
people such amusements injurious 10 the eyes We
must, however. take into consideration the
OF a vtated atmosphere which IL also productive OF