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Pediatric strabismologists and ophthalmologists in the Middle East experience an alarming prevalence of neck and shoulder pain linked to work demands. While exercise, therapy, and medications provide relief, ergonomic practices remain underutilized.
A study published in "Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus" has revealed a significant burden of musculoskeletal pain among pediatric eye specialists in the Middle East, highlighting its impact on clinical work and overall productivity. Mahmoud M Ismail and other researchers aimed to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and occupational impact of musculoskeletal pain among pediatric strabismologists and ophthalmologists.
This cross-sectional, web-based survey was performed by a structured, closed-ended questionnaire designed on SurveyMonkey after an extensive literature review and consultation with domain experts. The questionnaire was pretested to ensure clarity, relevance, and ease of completion. The survey link was circulated via the WhatsApp platform to maximize reach and accessibility. It captured comprehensive information on participant demographics, clinical workload, ergonomic practices, musculoskeletal symptoms, associated risk factors, and management strategies.
All responses were systematically recorded, and data were analyzed to provide evidence on the ergonomic and musculoskeletal health profile, emphasizing areas for targeted interventions. A majority of participants (70%) had over 10 years of clinical experience. Pain severity was more elevated among ophthalmologists in private and clinical settings than in academic environments, underlining occupational influence. Neck (48%) and shoulder (24%) pain were extremely related to overall discomfort, while back and arm pain were not.
Key contributors included prolonged standing and repetitive orthoptic exams; slit-lamp use showed no significant effect. Physical therapy and medications were efficient, but ergonomic interventions were underutilized. Musculoskeletal pain prompted 31% of participants to decrease their work hours and 15% to refrain from particular tasks, illustrating its influence on work efficiency. Regular exercise levels were low, yet it was significantly associated with pain relief, highlighting a potential area for improvement.
To sum up, musculoskeletal pain, especially in the neck and shoulders, is common among pediatric ophthalmologists and strabismologists in the Middle East, with severity influenced by occupational tasks. Targeted ergonomic strategies, comprehensive pain management, and lifestyle modifications such as regular physical activity are essential to improve specialists’ well-being and maintain clinical efficiency.
Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Musculoskeletal Pain Among Pediatric Ophthalmologists and Strabismologists in the Middle East: A Cross-sectional Study
Mahmoud M Ismail et al.
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