Democratic Sentinel, Volume 17, Number 34, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 September 1893 — Something In the Eye. [ARTICLE]

Something In the Eye.

Never needlessly expose the eyes to foreign particles, but when necessary wear plain glasses or goggles. When experimenting with chemicals always turn the mouth of the tube or bottle away from the face and eyes. Whenever an eye is injured severely, says the Hygienic Doctor, place the patient immediately in a dark room and under the care of a skilled physician, whose directions must be implicitly followed. Th» foreign bodies may be solid, as sand, cinders, hair, dirt, etc.-, lime, acids or alkalies. Don’t rub the eyes, avoid sudden glares of light, never look directly at the sun. To remove the solid particles from under the lids it is sufficient to pull the lid away from the eye and to wipe th'j body with a piece of moist paper or th* corner of a handkerchief; if it is under the upper lid, grasp the lid firmly between the thumb and fiDger, lift it from the eyeball and draw it down over Hie lower lid, and then allow it to slide slowly back to its natural position. The foreign body will be scraped off on the lashes. The operation may be repeated several times. Or lift the lid from the allow the tears to accumulate between the lids and forcibly blow the nose. Or plaoe in the eye a few grains of flaxseed, which, forming a mucilage, will promptly bring relief. Or place acrose the upper lid the point of a pencil or bodkin and turn the lid back over it; in this way the foreign particle is brought into distinct view, and can be readily wiped away. Lime and Roman cement are very dejtructive to the eyes if permitted to remain any considerable time. Wash the eyes immediately with water, then with water containing vinegar or lemon juice. For acids in the eye wash with water containing a little ammonia or baking soda. For alkalies, wash with water containing vinegar or lemon juice.