[Peripheral vision in copper mine workers]

Eighty-two copper mine workers were subjected to an examination performed twice a day. Field of vision and eye's resolving power were examined in all subjects. Preliminary examination was performed above ground before the miners started their work and later, after five hour's work under ground. During the follow-up examination the limitation of the field of vision was found in 64% of face foremen and in 13.6% of off-face miners. This limitation was observed in the lower temporal quadrants. The limitation is probably of central origin and is connected with the effects of occupational agents, eg. noise. The eye's resolving power assessed under ground was statistically remarkably lower than above ground. However, taking into consideration the inadequate lighting, one might expect more serious changes of this characteristic.