Ophthalmologist's musculoskeletal disorders (ergonomic ophthalmology)

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Aims/Purpose: The concept of ophthalmologists ‘work‐related musculoskeletal disorders and discuss the main risk factors, deduce solutions and basis of their prevention as a primary means of occupational injury for ophthalmological resident.Methods: A questionnaire established for residents and ophthalmologists looking for the different musculoskeletal disorders that have developed in them through the years of practice, the sites of predilection, repercussions on their course and daily practice with a review of the literature regarding ergonomics in ophthalmology.Results: Musculoskeletal disorders, or MSDs, are a group of disorders of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves and joints resulting from long‐term, repeated wear and tear on the body. It is a disorder found very frequently in ophthalmologists and ophthalmology residents. Several risk factors come into play. Thus, all ophthalmologists should be taught early in their careers to adjust their work environments properly i order to minimize the load on muscles, tendons and the spine during exams and procedures.According to the research literature, more than half of all ophthalmologists have experienced at least some signs or symptoms of an MSD (most commonly back pain, neck pain or pain in the shoulder, arm or hand). The major risk factors ophthalmologists face are extreme or awkward postures; excessive force or exertion; and repetitive activities. Nearly, 62% of the ophthalmologists who responded to a national survey in the United Kingdom reported that they suffered from either back or neck pain. A study carried out by Essamlali. I and co found that: 78% reported low back pain, 41% neck pain and these pains are felt the most during examination with the slit lamp followed by surgical operations. Faced with all these musculoskeletal attacks, several proposals for prevention and re‐adaptation have been proposed by experts. In the article of AAO by Linda Roch and CO until the title of ‘Seven risk factors and seven solutions ‘.Conclusions: As is always – prevention is better than cure. The key is identification of our habits and correcting our posture. A small niggling headache or neck pain can soon transform into a recurrent one and then eventually into a chronic problem. MSDs do not have to be an occupational hazard for ophthalmologists – not if we choose to avoid them!