When the eye is burned, either by sparks or by some burning chemical
substance, cold cloths should be persistently applied to the eye. The
softest rags or surgeon's lint should be cut up into small pieces that
will just cover the eye. Dip these in the coldest water, and press it
out a little, so that it will not run off. Place these little bits of
wet cloth one after another on the eye or eyes affected. The patient
will not be able to endure pressure further than the weight of the
cloths themselves. These can be taken off and changed for cold ones as
the feeling of the sufferer directs. After a time the cooling will be
felt to have gone far enough, and the cloths may be allowed to lie;
when they get too warm they can be taken off, or if the heat and pain
return they can be renewed.
While this treatment is going on it will be necessary to open the
eyelids at intervals, so as to let off the tears that collect in such
cases and cause great distress. These will flow out when in the most
gentle way you have laid one thumb on the upper eyebrow, and the other
just below the lower eyelid, so that you can draw the lids just
slightly open.
Eyes, Cataract on.--This disease has been arrested, and in earlier
stages even cured, by the treatment described in, Eyes, failing sight.
By means of this treatment we have seen a totally blind eye restored in
a few weeks.
Eyes, Danger to Sight of.--Where inflammation has gone so far as to
lead to suppuration, or even to ulceration of the eyes, there is grave
danger of blindness, and this is often the case with infants and
children who have been wrongly treated or neglected. In such a case,
cease at once all irritating and painful treatment and drugs. First,
wash the eyes by gently dropping over them distilled water, or boiled
rain water which has been cooled. The water should be used about blood
heat.
After an hour or so, have another warm bathing by means of gentle
pouring over the eyes, but do not rub the eyelids. Let there be no
friction beyond that of the soft and warm water running over the face
in the bathing. Rather have patience till that washes all waste matter
away than run any risk of irritating the eyeball. All this time watch
what the sufferer evidently likes, and follow his likings--that is, as
to warmer or colder water, and so on. It will not be very long before
you have thoroughly cleaned the eyes, while at the same time you have
infused fresh life into them. To the water used a little vinegar or
acetic acid should next be added, or Condy's fluid may be used when it
is convenient. But care must be taken that no great smarting is caused.
_See_ Acetic Acid.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account