Is ophthalmology a pain-free career? A systematic review and meta-analysis of musculoskeletal pain among ophthalmologists.

Can J OphthalmolJun 27, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchOphthalmology

Harrison Watt, Ali Salimi, Mohammad Karam et al.

✦ AI-curated · Sources linked

In 30 seconds

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the prevalence of musculoskeletal (MSK) pain among 6691 ophthalmologists across 21 studies. The findings revealed a pooled prevalence of any MSK pain at 70% (95% CI: 65%-75%). The most common sites of pain were the neck (41%), lower back (36%), and shoulders (28%), significantly impacting workload and productivity.

Key findings

  • Pooled prevalence of any MSK pain was 70% (95% CI: 65%-75%).
  • Neck pain was reported by 41% (95% CI: 35%-47%).
  • Lower back pain affected 36% (95% CI: 32%-39%).
  • Pain led to workload modification in up to 44% of ophthalmologists.

Why it matters

The high prevalence of MSK pain among ophthalmologists can significantly affect their clinical practice and overall well-being. Understanding these issues is crucial for developing preventive strategies and improving work conditions.

What to keep in mind

Heterogeneity was high across studies, reflecting differing case definitions and self-reported measures.

Source

PubMed · PMID 42320535

Published in Can J Ophthalmol. This summary was written by xxcode from the publication's abstract and metadata. It is not peer reviewed and is not a substitute for the original article. For clinical decisions, review the original publication.

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AI-generated summaries may contain errors or omissions. Verify clinically important information with the original publication.

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