THE EYES 247 



a cinder or other foreign body, the uncomfortable 

 feeling will keep up, and the eye appear inflamed, 

 even after the removal of the cause ; but usually the 

 discomfort and 'inflammation soon disappear. A little 

 saturated solution of boracic acid dropped into the 

 eye is an excellent remedy in such cases. Because of 

 its soothing qualities this lotion is very healing to 

 the eye when sore or inflamed from any cause. If 

 the inflammation continues, however, an oculist should 

 be consulted without delay. 



But dust and cinders are not the only things from 

 outside that may cause injury to the eyes. A particle 

 of quick-lime, mortar, or any strong acid may do great 

 harm. When either of the first two substances has 

 fallen into the eye, it is well to drop sweet oil in as 

 soon as possible, and then to syringe out the eye with 

 warm water to wash away all particles of the lime. 

 When strong acid gets in, a safe remedy is to drop 

 in some milk, and then syringe the eye with warm 

 water. Although a weak solution of soda-water or 

 other alkali would be the best antidote for acid in the 

 eye, a person not a physician might do injury by 

 having such a solution too strong. 



Wood alcohol, and other liquids made from it, which 

 are often used for cooking or heating purposes, are dan- 

 gerous to the eyes. People have been made blind by 

 accidentally drinking even small quantities of these 

 preparations. Cases have also been reported where 

 blindness or other serious injury to the eyes has resulted 



