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Assess OR table height to prevent ophthalmic occupational injury

Healio Optometry1d ago1 min read

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Ophthalmologists have a greater rate of neck, back, wrist and shoulder injuries compared with other specialties, according to a speaker at the Retina World Congress.“A lot of it is due to our repetitive, awkward positions we find ourselves in in the operating room and the office,” Sunir J. Garg, MD, FACS, FASRS, told Healio. “I know a number of retina specialists who have had to have spinal fusion of their neck due to these injuries.”{{VIDEO}}To prevent these issues, Garg suggested being mindful about sitting upright at the slit lamp and designing your office in a way

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AI Summary

Quick Take

Ophthalmologists experience disproportionately high rates of musculoskeletal injuries, including neck, back, wrist, and shoulder issues, compared to other medical specialties. Speaking at the Retina World Congress, Dr. Sunir J. Garg noted that the repetitive, awkward positioning required in both the operating room and the clinic has led some retina specialists to require major interventions like spinal fusion.

Why It Matters

Ergonomics in ophthalmology is often treated as an afterthought, yet the physical demands of microsurgery and high-volume clinical exams pose a significant threat to career longevity. The static, hunched postures common during slit-lamp exams and long surgical cases create chronic strain on the cervical spine and upper extremities. As the workforce ages and patient volumes increase, prioritizing ergonomic adjustments—such as proper table height and upright seating—is essential to preventing permanent occupational disability.

Key Details

Ophthalmologists report higher rates of neck, back, wrist, and shoulder injuries than physicians in most other medical specialties.
The primary drivers of injury are repetitive movements and the awkward, static postures maintained during surgery and clinical examinations.
Occupational strain is severe enough that some retina specialists have required spinal fusion surgery to address cervical spine damage.
Preventative strategies include maintaining an upright posture at the slit lamp and consciously designing office spaces to minimize physical strain.
Proper adjustment of operating room table height is a critical factor in reducing ergonomic stress during surgical procedures.

Practice Implications

Clinicians should perform an ergonomic audit of their workspace, ensuring slit lamps and OR tables are adjusted to allow for a neutral, upright spine rather than a hunched position. Practice owners should consider ergonomic flow during office design to reduce repetitive reaching or twisting during high-volume patient days.

Who's Affected

OphthalmologistsRetina SpecialistsPractice OwnersSurgical Staff

Evidence StrengthModerate

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