Ophthalmologists’ Musculoskeletal Health: An Often Overlooked Concern

Abstract

You may be familiar with the adage by Jim Rohn, “Take care of your body. It is the only place you have to live.” This wise statement is of extreme relevance to clinicians as we do our best to manage growing waitlists and backlogs, diminishing healthcare resources, increasing patient demands, and the expectation to “do more with less.” 

Most of us were never prepared for the impact of these demands on our physical health, mental wellbeing and career longevity. Ophthalmologists, by virtue of the procedural nature of our specialty and the challenges created by the equipment and devices we use every day, are at high risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). According to the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety, work activities that are frequent and repetitive or activities with awkward postures produce musculoskeletal disorders that may be painful during work activities or even at rest. These WMSDs are painful disorders of muscles, tendons, joints and nerves. Injuries can result from overuse and may develop over long periods of time.