{
  "abstract": "Ophthalmology is a clinical and surgical specialty with high physical demands. Despite advancements in ophthalmic equipment, improper ergonomic practices contribute to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), affecting practitioners' performance and productivity. This study investigated the prevalence, severity, and functional disability of WMSDs among ophthalmologists in Saudi Arabia using the Total Disability Index (TDI) and examining associations between disability severity and task-related difficulty. A national cross-sectional survey included 280 ophthalmologists practicing in Saudi Arabia, recruited through institutional and professional channels and convenience-based dissemination. Data were collected from Jan-Apr 2025. Functional impairment was assessed using the validated 14-item TDI. Multivariable logistic regression modeled associations between TDI scores and task-related pain, adjusting for confounders. Among 280 ophthalmologists, 85.7% reported WMSDs symptoms, most commonly weekly. Mean TDI score was 8.0 ± 9.3. Most (90.0%) had minimal disability, 8.6% moderate, and 1.4% severe. None had crippling or bed-bound disability. The cervical (27.9%) and lumbar spine (25.7%) were most affected. Higher TDI scores independently predicted pain during clinic examinations (adjusted OR = 1.124; p < 0.001), laser procedures (OR = 1.064; p < 0.001), and surgery (OR = 1.065; p < 0.001). WMSDs are highly prevalent among ophthalmologists practicing in Saudi Arabia and are associated with measurable task-related difficulty. These findings support structured ergonomics education, exercise programs, and institution-level workplace modifications.",
  "abstract_shown": true,
  "affiliations": [
    "Ophthalmology Department, King Khalid Eye Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.",
    "College of Medicine, AlFaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.",
    "Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Department, King Khalid Eye Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.",
    "College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Alahsa, Saudi Arabia.",
    "Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Research Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon."
  ],
  "article_type": "research article",
  "arxiv": null,
  "author_total": 4,
  "authors": [
    {
      "affs": [
        0,
        1
      ],
      "name": "Raid Alhayaza"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        2
      ],
      "name": "Fatemah T AlShamlan",
      "orcid": "0000-0002-4471-3454"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        3
      ],
      "name": "Abdullah Afif Alshakhs",
      "orcid": "0000-0003-2988-8528"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        1,
        4
      ],
      "name": "Hani Tamim"
    }
  ],
  "bibtex": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/c81qvvsnpg3h1.bib",
  "cited_by": 0,
  "doi": "10.2147/opth.s640695",
  "fulltext_url": "https://europepmc.org/articles/PMC13744175",
  "id": "c81qvvsnpg3h1",
  "issns": [
    "1177-5467",
    "1177-5483"
  ],
  "landing_url": "https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42999591",
  "language": "eng",
  "licence": "CC-BY-NC",
  "licence_label": "CC BY-NC",
  "licence_source": "article",
  "licence_url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/",
  "metadata_licence": null,
  "native_subjects": [
    [
      "openalex",
      "3307|Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders"
    ]
  ],
  "openalex": "W7225152131",
  "pdf_url": "https://europepmc.org/articles/PMC13744175?pdf=render",
  "pmcid": "PMC13744175",
  "pmid": "42999591",
  "published": "2026-11-03",
  "publisher": null,
  "ris": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/c81qvvsnpg3h1.ris",
  "sources": [
    {
      "first_seen": "2026-11-09T15:20:34Z",
      "native_id": "MED:42999591",
      "source": "europepmc",
      "url": "https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42999591"
    }
  ],
  "subjects": [
    {
      "field": "medicine",
      "origin": "journal-openalex:2731|Retinal Diseases and Treatments",
      "subfield": "general"
    }
  ],
  "title": "Prevalence, Severity, and Functional Disability of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Ophthalmologists in Saudi Arabia: A National Cross-Sectional Survey.",
  "title_text": "Prevalence, Severity, and Functional Disability of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Ophthalmologists in Saudi Arabia: A National Cross-Sectional Survey.",
  "type": "peer-reviewed",
  "updated_at": "2026-11-09T15:20:34Z",
  "url": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/c81qvvsnpg3h1",
  "venue": "Clinical ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.)",
  "versions": []
}