Posturing

It seems that many ophthalmologists have neck and back issues, as I have recently learned through the comments of my colleagues. A lot of this is tied to the use of an operating microscope for several hours on surgery day, especially when we can’t get our patients positioned quite right. Appropriate positioning of patients often becomes impossible through no fault of their own; our inability to position often stems from a patient’s own neck and back issues.

While it seems an adage so long promulgated that it is cliche, we must always remember that good posture is critical. We should strive for it as much as possible and always remain vigilant about optimizing our operating posture as much as possible. Obviously, this advice extends beyond the realm of ophthalmology to all of life.