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73. Ophthalmology.
Large numbers of patients are seen by our Ophthalmologists. The eye
specialist at Quetta who was new to Indian conditions comments on the extreme
mildness of the trachoma which he has seen and the slight amount of permanent
damage which appears to be caused. The typical linear scar is usually absent
and only careful, well illuminated examination reveals the extent of the old
infection. Acute conjunctivitis tends to light up the trachomatous conditions
and he finds the best cure is conjunctival painting with silver nitrate 1 per
cent on alternate days which clears the trouble in a month.
His conclusion is that Trachoma as it is experienced in the Indian is no
bar to enlistment in the Army unless it is very marked or in an early stage.
On the other hand an experienced Ophthalmologist in South India makes
the following observations:—
"A certain number of recruits are being passed as fit, though affected
by a mild degree of Trachoma.
Trachoma is likely to spread rapidly under active service conditions and
in many previous wars has caused very great disability. Under the circum
-stances, it appears to me that it is unwise to admit even mild cases."
In Northern Command, no trachoma was seen in British personnel but
trachoma together with conjunctivitis, ulcers and nebulae were the common
conditions amongst Indian personnel. Pterygium was also fairly common.
Conjunctivitis was found to be most common at the beginning and the end of
the hot weather.
In Western (Ind.) District an investigation into the ocular complications
of malaria is in progress, several hundred cases having been examined. A
case of sudden loss of vision in one eye following atebrin treatment is described
and thought to be due, in the absence of any pathological signs, to retro-bulbar
neuritis.
Two cases of syphilitic infection were noted, one with completely symmetri
-cal macula-choroiditis of about 11/2 discs diameter, the other a rare case of
acquired interstitial Keratitis.
A British corporal with a visual acuity of 6/18 each eye and a Fuchs
inferior crescent below each optic disc, was not improvable in visual acuity
by glasses. Never the less he was a "marksman".
An important observation is made by the Ophthalmologist, Rawalpindi
district, on the eye conditions of clerks in which he draws attention to the bad
conditions of lighting in their work places.
"Every year a large number of men of the C. M. A.'s Department attend
the Eye Department for advice. Symptoms of Asthenopia amongst them are
common and the onset of presbyopia earlier than normal. I find that the
offices in which the clerks work and the light conditions in which they work are
highly unsatisfactory. It is recommended that these conditions be looked
into and rectified."
This observation applies to many "Departmental" offices where the fact
is constantly overlooked that one cannot get good work from bad lighting.
Reference has already been made to this subject in connection with factories
and workshops. Paragraph 64-G.
From Rawalpindi one remarkable case is recorded of a Follower who
became thoroughly drunk on a Saturday on methylated spirit and wood
alcohol; after stages of vivid coloured lights he became blind on Sunday.