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"Ophthalmia neonatorum or inflammation of the eyes of the
new-born is a very dangerous infectious disease; it is set up by
germs which gain access to the infant's eye in the act of birth. It
is readily prevented by suitable measures, and easily cured if taken
in time. If not treated promptly, and allowed to run its course, it
may entirely destroy the eye-ball and lead to incurable blindness.
On the slightest sign of inflammation of the eyes in a newly-born
child, medical advice should at once be obtained.
"The disease has not the wide prevalence of the common
infectious diseases, and it does not as a rule threaten life. Nevertheless
its results are most disastrous. The Royal Commission on
the Blind, the Deaf and the Dumb, which reported to both Houses
of Parliament in the year 1889, estimated that about 7,000 persons
in the United Kingdom had lost their sight from ophthalmia
neonatorum. It has been estimated by Mr. Stephen Mayou
(medical Press and circular, 16th December, 1908), from the census
statistics for England and Wales, that there are now about 3,000
children under the age of 15 years blind from ophthalmia neonatorum.
It is said to cause 10 per cent. of all cases of blindness in
this country. It was found to be responsible for 42 per cent. of
all cases of blindness in the Sheffield School for the Blind, and for
36 per cent. of cases in the London County Council Blind Schools.
"When it is borne in mind that all this could be prevented by
the simplest prophylactic care, the continued blinding of babies in
a civilised community becomes a crime.
"Notification of the disease was recommended by the Midwives
Act Committee, in their report published 25th August, 1909 (B.M.J.
1909 ii. p. 559): and by the Ophthalmia Neonatorum Committee of
the British Medical Association, approved by the Central Council
28th April, 1909 (B.M.J, i. 1909 supp. p. 221). It is actually
notifiable at present in Germany, Austria, France, Switzerland and
15 States of the U.S.A. The Public Health Committee of the Town
of Stafford have recommended its addition to the list of notifiable
diseases.
"By the Rules of the Central Midwives Board, Midwives are
already enjoined to call in medical aid on observing the slightest
evidence of inflammation of the infant's eyes. Most cases, therefore,
should automatically come under medical treatment, but
notification would bring the disease into greater prominence. It
might be reinforced by leaflets of advice to parents. Notified cases