CARE OF THE EYES 275 



light, may result in serious damage to the eye. To look 

 at the sun steadily may actually destroy the spots on 

 the retinas on which its rays are focused. 



Weak light. Dim light is not in itself harmful to 

 the eye. Only when we attempt to read, sew, or do 

 other fine work, does it do harm. Under these condi- 

 tions, the iris is so wide open that the imperfections 

 of the cornea and lens make it much more difficult to 

 see clearly and therefore add greatly to the strain. 



Proper use. Under the present conditions of civil- 

 ized life, so much work is exacted of the eyes that they 

 should be favored in every way possible, especially dur- 

 ing the developing period of childhood. Too early or 

 too long continued use of the eyes for near and fine work, 

 as reading, writing and sewing, should be avoided, since 

 it often produces near-sight. Such work should be done 

 only under the most favorable circumstances. The light 

 should be neither too bright nor too dim; and it should 

 come from the left, in order not to fall directly into the 

 eyes nor to cause a reflection from the page into the 

 eye, as well as to avoid the shadow of the active hand 

 upon the work. The eyes should also have frequent rest 

 by being closed or by being allowed to look at distant 

 objects, that the muscles of accommodation may be re- 

 laxed. Improper use of the eyes often shows itself, not 

 by discomfort of the eyes themselves, but by headache, 

 sleeplessness, nausea and other forms of distress. Under 

 such circumstances, therefore, the eyes should be tested 

 by an oculist to learn if they are at fault. 



