CORRECT WEAK EYES.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 March 1916, Page 9

CORRECT WEAK EYES.

EXPERT'S HELPFUL HINTS. About 42 per cent, of the 100,000 cases of total blindness in the United Slates are preventable, according to the reports of the Massachusetts Commission for (he Blind, which is represented at tha Exposition ia the social economy exhibit of Massachusetts by John E. Daniels. Daniels, who has spent a' number of years with the famous Perkins Institvtion for the Blind, near Boston, besides giving interesting facts on the subject of ciindueas in America, ha 3 compiled in the course of his work a few hints for the ordinary cure of'the eyes in the follow ing article; "THE CARE OF THE EYES," (By John E. Daniels). Massachusetts is beginning to realise the significance of the terrible statistics ia the State Commission's report on the great number of needlessly blind cases, which have been found to result from neglect of the infant's eyes. The other part has been caused by the lack of precaution in .dangerous trades. Both these causes are now receiving the careful investigation of the State, and much beneficial legislation has been enacted recently. Th,' care of the infant's eyes is no bngfr left to tho discretion of parents, vv even nurses or decters. The State now compels the nitrate of silver treatment in the eyes of every infant, within a stated time soon after birth. It also makes criminal on the part of any adult the failure to notify the Health Department in a case where a baby's eyes become red, swollen, or inflamed, or show an unnatural discharge at any time S'ilhin a week after birth MUST PROTECT EYES. In addition to the installation of pneumatic dust removers in factories and shops, goggles or other sufficient protection for the eyes arc insisted u-ion by the inspector in the stone cutting, brazing, and like trades. In States whore there is as yet no legislation relative to the prevention of blindness, tho responsibility plainly rests upon parents and guardians in ths cases of infant's. The nitratt; of silver treatment should be administcjSri invariably under the direction, of rci'-'s. at 'rained nurse or doctor. Th ! SOj - 3 !' >T any baby is potential bli;id:i,.,... Una ucmuuJ: immediate medical attention.

COLD WATER BENEFICIAL. In regard to the ordinary care of the eyes, any set of rules may well be termed a set of DONT'S. But while any advice must deal principally with what to avoid, except in the above staled cases of the infant's eyes, a few positive instructions can be followed with real benefit. To make the eyes brighter and clearer for the whole day, dash a little cold water into them upon arising. This induces circulation, by stimulating the arterial and nervous action. When the eyes are inflamed from ?. cold use a 4 p'cr ft/it. solution of boric acid and warm water every few hours while the inflammation lasts. The solution should be applied to the eye with a pipet or dropper. ELECTRIC LIGHT BEST. The same treatment should be used in ease a cinder or other ordinary particle gets into the eye. Winking may help, but should be avoided, as it is just as likely to imbed the particie more deeply. If after dropping the solution into the eye the cinder remains, do not run the risk of delay, but have it removed at the nearest drug store or by an oculist, preferably. Use electric light as much as possible for reading and minute work, when artificial light is required. Electric light, containing no waste, products and throwing off no oxygen, is the best light for the eye if it be steady, near enough, and from the right direcilon. The main point with any kind of light, and upon which one should insist, when using the eyes for minute work or study, is even illumination. Reading on trains is injurious on account of the uneven distribution of light, and reading when lying down is particularly harmful, because we change distances, straining the interior recti and obstructing the circulation to the eyes. EYES WILL REMIND YOU. The greatest amount of light should come from over the shoulder. When writing, pmforably, from over the left. When ever we are reminded that we have eyes, it is a sure sign that they need attention. A sensation of twitching, when reading or performing other careful or minute work, indicates overwork of the eyes. Close them immediately and rest, if only for a short space, when this feeling recurs. If resting does not relieve the twitching sensation, have the irregularity attended to, but do not take upon yourself the responsibility of selecting ' glasses from your own tests. Consult an oculist. The wrong glasses are more harmful than none. Always remember that our eyes are not only our breadwinners, but the most genuine source of making life worth while.