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A blue sky, trees, his own shadow or companions, will tend to alleviate the dazzling glare. Optical quality in dark glasses is needed to prevent eyestrain. First aid consists of relieving the local irritation and spasm. This may be accomplished by cold compresses over the closed lids for 15-20 minutes at a time. Instillations of bland oils, such as castor oil and mineral oil, are good first-aid measures. Irrigations of boric or salt solutions several times daily also give relief. Local anesthetics may be used if pain is severe. Ophthalmic ponto-caine (1/2 per cent in ointment form) is recommended. Others which may be substituted are 2 per cent butyn, 4 per cent metacaine, or 2 per cent holocaine. These may be used in either solution or ointment. Too frequent use of these drugs is to be avoided; one or two applications a day should be sufficient. Patients should be cautioned against rubbing the eyes when anesthetic agents are used. Dark glasses are indispensable for relief of the sensitivity to light. Several pairs may be worn if one is not enough. |
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