Special Libraries, June 1917

Volume 8, Issue 6https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/sla_sl_1917/1005/thumbnail.jp

Special Libraries, June 1917

Volume 8, Issue 6https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/sla_sl_1917/1005/thumbnail.jp

Special Libraries, June 1917

Volume 8, Issue 6https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/sla_sl_1917/1005/thumbnail.jp

Miners' nystagmus

A summary of conclusions on my main points has already been made in some detail under the heading "Conclusions regarding Aetiology', pages 61-67, but I might re-state in brief :- (i) Miners' Nystagmus occurs in at least 20% of Colliers. (ii) It rarely occurs without refractive error and that error almost invariably astigmatism. (iii) The malady may be regarded as a perversion of the function of central fixation, brought about by the unusual conditions of work and determined by the refractive error. (iv) The prophylaxis lies in, improved lighting, increased working space where possible, attention to the miners, refraction

Miners' nystagmus

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

Miners' nystagmus

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

Miners' nystagmus

1. Miners' nystagmus is an occupational disease of the nervous system, occuring in two forms, confined to workers in coal mines. The chief physical sign is a rotatory oscillation of the eyeballs giving rise to apparent movement of objects as its prime symptom.2. The disease, generally of gradual onset, though acute cases are seen, especially in the young, attacks men of all ages, but is most commonly seen in middle life.3. Deficient light is the chief etiological factor, other factors such as method of work, accidents, errors of refraction, alcoholism and general diseases, are of secondary importance only.4. As to prognosis, there is no truth in the statement that miners' nystagmus causes permanent damage to the eye, or even blindness, if underground work is continued after the onset of symptoms.5. The disease may be said to be a benign one as it is pre -eminently curable.6. The ideal preventative measure would be to instal elec- tric lighting at the coal face but .o the men will not have elec- tricity either for lighting or for machinery in view of the prevalence of gas, the obligatory stone dusting and the adoption of white washing coupled with a change of lamps to the cap pattern, will, I believe, help, if not to wipe out nystagmus, at least to render it sufficiently mild so that incapacity resulting from it will be largely prevented

Miners' Nystagmus

Abstract Not Provided

Miners' Nystagmus

Abstract Not Provided