THE EYE 



387 



times benefited by bathing them in warm water, or with 

 water containing enough salt to make them smart slightly. 

 Boracic acid dissolved in water (40 grains to 4 ounces of 

 distilled water) is also highly recommended as a wash for 

 weak. eyes. 



Removal of Foreign Bodies from the Eyes. Foreign 

 bodies embedded in the eyeball should be removed by the 

 oculist or physician. Small particles of dust or cinder 

 may be removed without the aid 

 of the physician, by exercising 

 proper care. First let the tears, 

 if possible, wash the offending 

 substance to the corner of the 

 eye, or edge of the lid, where it 

 can be removed with a soft cloth. 

 If it sticks to the ball or the under 

 surface of the lid, it will be neces- 

 sary to find where it is located, 

 and then dislodge it from its posi- 

 ' tion. Begin by examining the 

 lower lid. Pull it down sufficiently 

 to expose the inner surface, and, 

 if the foreign substance be there, wipe it off with the hem 

 of a clean handkerchief. If it is not under the lower lid, 

 it will be necessary to fold back the upper lid. " The 

 patient is told to look down, the edge of the lid and the 

 lashes are seized with the forefinger and thumb of the right 

 hand (Fig. 165), and the lid is drawn at first downward and 

 forward away from the globe ; then upward and backward 

 over the point of the thumb or forefinger of the left 

 hand, which is held stationary on the lid, and acts as 

 a fulcrum." 1 The foreign body is now removed in 



1 Pyle, Personal Hygiene, 



FIG. 165. Method of pro- 

 cedure in lifting the eyelid 

 (Pyle). 



