A Survey Study of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Eye Care Physicians Compared with Family Medicine Physicians

Purpose To evaluate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among eye care physicians compared with family medicine physicians. Design Case control study. Participants and Controls Ophthalmologists and optometrists at the University of Iowa and Mayo Clinic (participants) and family medicine physicians at the University of Iowa and Mayo Clinic (controls). Methods An electronic survey was e-mailed to all subjects. Main Outcome Measures The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms between eye care providers and family medicine physicians (control group). Results One hundred eight-six surveys were completed by 94 eye care physicians and 92 family medicine physicians with a response rate of 99% and 80%, respectively. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups with regard to mean age, gender, body mass index, years with current employer, or years in practice. Eye care providers, compared with their family medicine colleagues, reported a higher prevalence of neck (46% vs 21%; P