So one of the most puzzling and unsatisfactory conditions with which physicians have had to deal can now be said to be almost invariably curable. And the only instruments we need to operate these grave conditions are a straight steel probe, a few rubber bands, and the patient’s fingers. CHAPTER IV. FINGER SQUEEZING FOR EYE TROUBLES. If your eyes pain, close them lightly--or leave them open, if you prefer--and squeeze tightly the knuckles of the first (or index) fingers of both hands. Occasionally, if the eyes are set far apart and extend over into the third zone, the second (or middle) finger must be included in this digital embrace. But as a general rule pressure on the upper and lower surfaces, as well as on the sides of the first and second fingers will, within five minutes, relieve the pain of eye strain. Understand, I say “relieve”, not “cure”. For if the eye strain is the result of a too constant attendance at “movie” shows, and due to the fact that the little eye muscles are expanding and contracting hundreds of times a minute in an attempt to “focus” upon the flickering screen, the only cure for this strain is to “cut out” these entertainments, or else patronize a movie house where the flicker has been “cut out.” Of course, if the eye strain is the result of imbalance of the muscles of the eye it will be necessary to properly adjust this faulty focus by reinforcing the lens of the eye with a supplementary one made of glass. But for temporary relief firm pressure over the joints of the first and second fingers, continued for several minutes, will usually give results. Eye strain and muscle tire are largely under the control of the nervous system. If the nerves are fatigued, the muscles function imperfectly. If the muscles are wearied the nerves sympathize, and make the fact known by raising a wail of distress. And so it follows that a skeptic is legitimately entitled to say “Yes, you zone therapists cure eye strain by squeezing fingers or toes, but as the condition is primarily a nervous one, you really cure it by suggestion.” This, notwithstanding the fact that frequently the patient has no idea as to what is being attempted, and doesn’t, until his pain is relieved, know why any one should want to squeeze his fingers. Also, I would urgently recommend any believer in the “suggestion” or “mental” response of eye pains to omit pressures over the first and second fingers to try and help this condition by squeezing the thumb and little finger, and see what they accomplish. However, accepting the extreme position of some of our friends, and admitting that all eye strain is imagination--or an error of the mind--I would ask them to consider the pert, prominent, and resolutely determined stye--which is certainly not imaginary, nor merely suggested. Also inflammatory conditions of the conjunctiva--the membrane of the eye and lids--and that irritating and extremely annoying affliction known as granulated lids.