Miners' nystagmus

Abstract

I am of opinion that -(1) Miners' nystagmus is an occupational disease, arising from a disturbance in the neuro -motor apparatus of the eye. That it can justly be classified with other forms of nystagmus, (as it frequently is in congenital and non -industrial cases, secondary to some defect in the sensory part of the visual mechanism)(2) That it is not a complete disease in itself connected with one particular cause. In mild cases the oscillations are limited to the eyes themselves, but in other cases there are associated tremors of the muscles of the eyelids, head, neck and even of the upper part of the trunk, shoulders, arms and legs.(3) That the oscillations and tremors are due to an over- action, or exhaustion of the higher motor nerve control centres in the brain, which may extend to any group of nerve centres.(4) That in my opinion the following conditions are all conducive to the onset of the disease.(a) defective ventilation and absorption of nine cases.(b) defective illumination, (which does away with yellow spot fixation).(c) Conditions tending to disturb the body equilibrium, such as, rhythmic movements, the eyes remaining fixed, and the strenuous work involved in unnatural positions.(d) Contributary factors are, excess of tobacco and alcohol. Oral sepsis and other illnesses.(5) Different countries attach different degrees of importance as to nystagmus as a disabling factor. In every country some men continue working although suffering with nystagmus, and there is no doubt that added importance has been given to the condition by the benevolent working of the Compensation Acts, especially by the admission of cases, when the wording of the Act was changed.(6) That it is a fact that the associated symptoms and the mental attitude are as disabling factors as the eye oscillations.(7) That errors of refraction have little or no influence on the production of nystagmus. men with bad eyesight, corneal opacities, etc., can find employment in mines and earn full wages. Nefractive errors there found should be corrected.(8) That miners' nystagmus is recoverable in a general way. nest may be required for a year or more. (Vide table p, 49 -51) The eyes resume their previous standard of vision, when steady, in uncomplicated cases.(9) That work above ground should be given where possible, and if less remunerative partial compensation; or better still a lump sum should be offered in settlement. This has been the practice in West Cumberland lately and curiously enough often has a curative effect. That the economic problem is greatly complicated by the over staffing of our mines, and men, known to have been certified, cannot find employment; and, even if both parties are willing, work above ground cannot often be found.(10) That the ideal :'could be to form a colony for such men with outside work, which would be beneficial to themselves and the country.