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OD posture during exams can lead to pain, discomfort
BOSTON – Researchers found that optometrists tend to assume a forward head posture while conducting eye exams, and such posture can lead to problems with the cervical spine.
Osmotherly and colleagues from the Midwestern University Arizona College of Optometry reported in a poster here at Optometry’s Meeting that their evaluation of seven optometrists found three specific procedures that cause discomfort: refraction, slit lamp biomicroscopy and binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy (BIO).
The researchers reported that these optometrists’ mean resting posture was 15.46 degrees from zero, while refraction was -34.40 degrees, slit lamp exam was -20.92 degrees, and BIO was 25.13 degrees.
“There have been numerous reports of work-related discomfort and injury within the profession,” they said in the poster. “Poor posture may result from lack of adjustable equipment, poor ergonomics and/or fatigue, leading to possible abbreviated careers.”
The forward head posture causing constant isometric contraction of the neck muscles can lead to the intervertebral foramina narrowing, the zygapophyseal joints abnormally compressing and the cervical extensor muscles becoming ischemic, they concluded. – by Nancy Hemphill, ELS, FAAO
Reference:
Osmotherly KM, et al. Analysis of body mechanics during eye examinations: Are optometrists at risk? Presented at: Optometry’s Meeting; June 29 – July 2, 2016; Boston.
Disclosure: Osmotherly and colleagues reported on relevant financial disclosures.