In most cases a simple and effective cure may be found in one or two
grains of flax-seed, which can be placed in the eye without pain or
injury. As they dissolve, a glutinous substance is formed, which
envelops any foreign body that may be under the lid, and the whole is
easily washed out. A dozen of these seeds should constitute a part of
every traveler's outfit.
Another remedy for removing objects from the eye: Take a horse-hair
and double it, leaving a loop. If the object can be seen, lay the loop
over it, close the eye, and the mote will come out as the hair is
withdrawn. If the irritating object cannot be seen, raise the lid of
the eye as high as possible and place the loop as far as you can,
close the eye and roll the ball around a few times, draw out the hair,
and the substance which caused the pain will be sure to come with it.
This method is practiced by axemakers and other workers in steel.
Montreal Star.