Water may be applied to the eye in various ways. A convenient method
when only a brief application is necessary, is to lave the eye with
water dipped by the hand. A gentle spray may be applied, or the eyes may
be opened and closed in water, thus bringing them freely in contact with
the element. Small glass cups made for the purpose may be filled with
water and placed over the eye, the water being frequently changed; or
wet cloths may be laid upon them.
In applying water to the eye, it is important to be able to first
distinguish the exact nature of the difficulty, as much damage may
otherwise be done by a wrong application. As a general rule,
inflammations of the conjunctiva and _external_ structures of the eye
require _cool_ or _cold_ applications, while inflammations of the
cornea, iris, and other _internal_ structures, require _hot_
applications. This rule is often violated in hydropathic establishments
through ignorance of the structure and diseases of the eye.
Cool applications are best made by laying upon the eyes thin folds of
linen cloth wet in cold water. Not more than two or three thicknesses
should be used, as a thick compress soon becomes warm, while a thin one
is kept cool for a longer time by evaporation. The compress should be
changed every five minutes, at least, when there is much inflammation.
The fomentation is as good as any method of applying hot water to the
eyes. The application, when hot, should be as hot as the patient can
well bear. If it affords relief, continue half an hour or more; if it
increases the pain, desist at once. The same may be said of cold
applications also.
Alternate hot and cold applications will give most relief in some cases.
After a hot application, a slightly cooler one should always be applied
for a few minutes.
A little milk, quince-seed mucilage, or other bland substance, added to
the water, makes it more agreeable to the eye in bathing it.
The eye bath is applicable in all inflammations and injuries of the eye,
and is infinitely superior to all other eye washes.
Daily bathing the eyes in tepid water is a good practice for those who
use them much in reading, writing, or other work requiring close
attention. Many eyes are ruined by neglect and maltreatment.