8. Removing foreign objects from the eye was a common problem in the past
The air in cities and towns was filled with flying objects detrimental to the eye in the days before the automobile and paved roads. Cinders from fires were common. Dust was raised on dry days by horse drawn wagons, taxis, and carriages. Dust was further added to the air by servants beating rugs and drapes to clean them. There were several kinds of smoke filling the air, wood smoke, coal smoke, tobacco smoke, and ashes from all fires were tossed about by the breeze. Nature added its gifts to the air, such as gnats and midges and other miniscule flying pests.
Foreign objects landing in the eye were common, and likely people were just as susceptible to having an eyelash land there as they are now. Eyedrops were for the most part unknown outside of the balms available from doctors and apothecaries. In the home a simple method of removing a foreign object from the eye was used. A small drop of oil was placed in the corner of the eye near the tear duct, allowed to sit for a moment or two, and then gently wiped away after it flowed down the cheek. The irritating object, whether ash or lash, stuck to the oil and was thus safely removed.