CARE OF THE EYES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21698, 13 January 1934, Page 7 (Supplement)

CARE OF THE EYES

HEADACHES FROM EYESTRAIN To comfort, ' to efficiency and to beauty alike there is no foe like eyestrain. Spectacles are certainly a trial to vanity as to the purse, but it is better to wear spectacles than to suffer from headache or to acquire those facial habits attendant upon imperfect sight. Fortunately, also, the day is past when the. wearing of spectacles is hopelessly connected with either age or ugliness. The coming of the horn-rimmed variety, with its fr&nk admissions, its variety and its character, has put an end to all that. Spectacles apart, much may be done to obviate the strain imposed upon even / good eyes by the lives we lead now. Begular bathing carried out morning . and night after exposure to dust and wind (especially after motoring) helps greatly to keep not only the eyes but the brain and spirit cheerful.

STRENGTHENING LOTIONS For this nothing is better than the familiar boric lotion (a teaspoonful of boracic powder to a pint of boiling water) with, on occasion, a little rosewater added. ' The lotion should be always bottled and ready, and it is a good plan 'to make it on the strong side so that it may be diluted with a little hot water when using to take the chill off.- When- the eyes are inflamed they will not readily endure a cold lotion, although for ordinary use and when the weather is not cold it may be used as it comes, so far as temperature is concerned. Again, blood heat is preferable to anything hotter. When the eyes have been exposed to fog, dust or draughts the extra treatment of applying pads of cotton wool soaked m the lotion will be . found most'beneficial. Lie down in a dark room with the pads upfen the eyes and relax for as near as half an hour as may be. For strong eyes a good bathing in lukewarm water at night and cold water in the morning should be enough, an d if a pinch oi common salt is added stinging sensation of fresh water will be avoided. Soothing lotions other than boracic .for special occasions are warni gruel, cold tea, elder flower water (also warm) or the " eyebright " made yoni herbs and sold in a concentrated nr m bv the herb dealers. The last is excellent for use before going out to an ev ening party, theatre or ciuema where a certain amount 6f ovestrain is inevitable.