GRIT IN THE EYE

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1018, 8 July 1930, Page 5

GRIT IN THE EYE

HOW TO FIND AND REMOVE IT

A bit of cinder, dust, grit or any other substance, blown into the eye, may cause a good deal of trouble unless common sense action be taken immediately.

Rubbing the eye only increases the irritation and may do actual damage by moving the sharp particle across the tender surface of the eyeball. You should lift the upper lid forward, pull it down, let it lie back against the bail and allow it to retract to its usual position. This movement scrapes the inner surface of the lid gently across the lower lid and tends to brush out the foreign body. If it is not successful after several attempts, get help.

It is useful to be able to examine another person’s eye intelligently. Stand behind the patient, as he sits facing the light, and tip his head back comfortably. Pull down the lower lid, while the patient looks up. thus exposing the whole lower lid and the lower part of the eyeball. It is difficult to see the under side of the upper lid, because there is a reinforcing plate of cartilage which prevents it. from being completely rolled. Place a wooden match horizontally across the lid a quarter of an Inch above the lashes; press lightly in and down on the match, while you pull the lashes gently outward and upward. The lid is thus turned inside out and, when the patient looks down, reveals the upper part of the eyeball. Any particle of foreign matter can then be seen quite easily. Wipe it. off with a piece of clean moistened linen. If a piece of steel has pierced the ball, or a hot cinder has burned itself into a bed, consult a doctor, who will remove it without, discomfort. Wash the eye with a mixture of witch hazel and rosewater, to avoid infection and inflammation.