Background and objective: A cross-sectional prospective study to examine ergonomic differences in vitreoretinal settings: surgery, clinic, and dedicated procedure clinic.
Patients and methods: Three vitreoretinal surgeons, three fellows, and one resident at a tertiary eye care facility. Participants wore an Upright Go 2 posture device and posture was recorded in each setting between July 1 to August 31, 2023.
Results: Time in upright and poor postures was tracked. Significant differences were found in postural score for attendings between work settings (P < 0.01). Trainees showed no significant difference between settings. Poor posture in surgery was linked to microscope use and scleral buckle placement; in the clinic, it was associated with pan-retinal photocoagulation and injection minutes; in procedure clinic, it was ophthalmologist-dependent and those performing injections.
Conclusions: Ergonomic considerations are crucial in vitreoretinal practice. Attendings and trainees should focus on posture in surgery and clinic settings to enhance career longevity. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2025;56:80-85.].