Eye Wash Cup

Name/Title

Eye Wash Cup

Entry/Object ID

WS.0007

Description

Small oval glass cup on stem base, rim curved to fit the orbit of the eye.

Use

for self-washing of eyes, or self application of medication to eyes

Collection

Household Goods

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type

Embossing

Location

bottom

Transcription

no.22

Material

Glass

Exhibitions

Exhibition

Life in the Coal Camps

Notes

Household Items case

Research Notes

Research Type

Internet

Person

Shaun Slifer

Date

Nov 21, 2020

Notes

Dr. Richard Cannon says that glass eye cups or eye baths date back into the 19th century in the United States, and aluminum examples appeared early in the 20th century. Through the years there have been several devices used to install liquid eye medicines into the eyes for irrigation or treatment, but for use by the patient, the eye cup or eye bath were most popular until eye drops were developed using a screw-capped top provided with a plastic collar and a rubber unit carrying a glass dropper and a rubber teat. To use the eye cup, the patient applied it to the eye with the head bowed forward, threw the head back with the eye open, ensured lavage of the eye by blinking several times and then removed the cup with the head once more bowed forward. (https://www.fohbc.org/2013/11/glass-eye-cup-eye-bath-collection/)

General Notes

Note Type

Historical Note

Note

Belonged to owner's father.