Eyes, Paralysis of.--The partial paralysis of the muscles of one eye
produces double vision, so that the patient sees two similar objects
where there is only one. This double vision is often, however, the
result of stomach derangement. If so, it may soon pass away. The true
paralysis is more persistent. To cure this, rub the entire skin of the
head gently and steadily with the hands and finger-tips (stroking
always _upwards_) for some fifteen minutes. Then apply cold cloths to
the eyes as already directed. If the cold cloths are uncomfortable, hot
ones should be tried. Do this for fifteen minutes also. Continue
alternately for an hour twice or three times a day. We have known one
such day's treatment remove the double vision _entirely_, and no
relapse occur, but in most cases the treatment must be persevered in
and returned to until the paralysis is overcome.
Eyes, Spots on.--These spots are of two different kinds, and yet they
are very much the same in nature and substance. What is called "a
cataract" is of a different character. We refer not to this, but to the
spots that form on the surface of the eyeball, and those that form in
the membrane of the eyelid. When inflammation has gone on for some time
on the eyeball itself, portions of whitish matter form on the glassy
surface and soon interfere with the sight. When inflammation has gone
on in the eyelid, little knots like pin-heads form, producing a feeling
as if sand were in the eye. Afterwards these knots grow large and swell
the eyelid, and at times the matter in them grows hard, and seems to
take up a lasting abode in that tissue. Strong and destructive liquids
or powders are sometimes applied, that so affect the whole substance of
the eye as to cause blindness. Nothing of this nature is required at
all. First, the skin of the head must be dealt with. You will find that
this is hot and dry, and somewhat hard on the skull. Rub this gently
with the dry hands for a few minutes, then press a cloth tightly wrung
out of cold water all round the head. Rub and cool alternately for
half-an-hour or more if it continues to produce an agreeable feeling.
When the head is all soothed, and good action has been secured, at
least on its surface, begin with the eye itself. The same treatment is
required for both classes of cases. The eye will be shut at first. You
take a fine camel's-hair brush, such as is used by artists, and some
vinegar or acetic acid, so weak that you can swallow a portion of it
without hurting your throat. This is a very good test of strength for
the acid. You carefully brush over the outside of the eyelids and all
round the eye with this weak acid. This must be done most carefully and
patiently for a length of time, till all sweatiness is washed off, and
a fine warm feeling is produced by the acid. The matter softens and
breaks up, so that it begins to pass away. We have seen a little ball
of hard white matter break up and come away after a single brushing
carefully done.
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