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Practice good ergonomics early in career to avoid injuries

Healio Optometry1d ago1 min read

For ophthalmologists, occupational pain can start early.For Cynthia Matossian, MD, FACS, discomfort arose fewer than 5 years into her career. She said surgeons often find themselves in similar positions over the course of their routine work, and repeated motions can wear people down.“There were two areas that I noticed were bothering me after being hunched over the slit lamp day in, day out, week in, week out, and after being in the OR for long days of surgery,” she said. “Those two areas were my neck and upper back area around my shoulder blades.”The discomfort got so bad that she knew if

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AI Summary

Quick Take

Dr. Cynthia Matossian warns that occupational musculoskeletal pain can manifest as early as five years into an ophthalmology career, primarily driven by repetitive motions and poor posture. The physical strain of being hunched over a slit lamp and performing long surgical cases frequently leads to chronic discomfort in the neck and upper back.

Why It Matters

Musculoskeletal injuries are a significant but often overlooked threat to career longevity in eye care. The traditional design of diagnostic and surgical equipment forces practitioners into non-ergonomic positions that, over time, can lead to debilitating pain or even premature retirement. By recognizing these risks early, surgeons and clinicians can implement ergonomic changes before temporary discomfort turns into a career-ending injury.

Key Details

Occupational discomfort can arise within the first five years of practice, suggesting that ergonomic habits must be established during residency or early career.
The 'hunched' posture required for standard slit lamp examinations is a primary cause of repetitive strain.
Long durations in the operating room contribute significantly to physical wear and tear on the surgeon's body.
The most common areas for early-career pain are the neck and the upper back region around the shoulder blades.

Practice Implications

Practitioners should proactively assess their posture at the slit lamp and in the OR to avoid chronic hunching. Making early adjustments to equipment height and seating can mitigate the cumulative effects of repetitive motions and prolonged surgical sessions on the neck and back.

Who's Affected

OphthalmologistsOphthalmic SurgeonsOptometristsResidents and Fellows

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