Miners' nystagmus

Abstract

The increase in the number of certified cases of Ifiners' Nystao-qus and the increase in the duration of disability in a large number of cases have made the condition a question of economic importance. The essential factor in the production of the condition appears beyond doubt to be insufficient illumination. Some improvement has been made in the safety lamps both oil and electric in recent years, but the lighting of most mines is still far from satisfactory.The best method of effecting improvement is the introduction of the electric cap lamp as recommended by the Miners' Nystagmus committee. This it is hoped would soon result in the prevention of Miners' Nystagmus. Failing this the candle power of the hand safety lamps must be increased to at least 3 or 4 c.p.Minor improvements can be effected by white - washing the roadways as far as possible and by providing lamp shields for the journey to the working place.The factor of compensation is responsible for a great deal of the increase in the number of new claims and explains the increased duration of incapacity. Incapacity is, in most cases at least, not due to the actual nystagmus but to neurotic states developing either alone or superimposed upon the nystagmus; and it is this aspect of the disease upon which compensation has had so great an influence.Some alteration in compensation regulations is called for. The duration of compensation may be limited to a definite period, or the rate may be reduced after a certain period. Failing this there should be some machinery for periodic assessment of the capacity or incapacity of cases by medical men with special experience of the disease.In the matter of treatment the important point is to impress the patient that his condition is a benign one, and to persuade him to resume work of some sort at the earliest possible date. Prolonged idleness is the worst possible treatment for these cases.Sympathetic action on the part of the management in providing suitable surface work will be well repaid by results.Errors of refraction should be corrected, and any distressing symptoms such as insomnia should receive suitable therapy.