National survey of back & neck pain amongst consultant ophthalmologists in the United Kingdom.

Repetitive tasks, awkward or prolonged working postures, and high cognitive load are risk factors for occupational musculoskeletal disorders. Ophthalmologists may be vulnerable given that they are exposed to a combination of these factors. This national study assesses the prevalence, severity and associations of back and neck pain amongst UK consultant ophthalmologists. A postal survey was conducted using addresses supplied by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson correlation coefficient, two-tailed probability testing, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Dunn's multiple comparison test. 518 responses were received (50.3 % response rate). Back and neck pain were reported by 50.6 % (262/518) and 31.8 % (165/518) of respondents, respectively, with 62.4 % (323/518) reporting one or both. 33.6 % (174/518) reported pain whilst operating, of whom 78.7 % (137/174) found operating exacerbated their pain. 31.7 % (164/518) reported pain when using the slit lamp, of whom 71.3 % (117/164) found it exacerbated their pain. Individual subspecialties showed a significant relative risk of back or neck pain in some circumstances, when compared to ophthalmologists as a whole. Occupational back and neck pain remains a problem amongst ophthalmologists. Recommendations are made for modifications to the working environment, and consideration should be given to improving education for trainees.

Patient-reported benefit from botulinum toxin treatment for essential blepharospasm: using 2 assessment scales.

PURPOSE: To assess and compare the change in quality-of-life and function following treatment with botulinum toxin (BTX) using the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) and Blepharospasm Disability Index (BSDI) scores. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 62 consecutive patients treated with BTX for blepharospasm conducted during a postinterventional telephone interview. Post hoc analysis converts the GBI to a score from -100 (maximum harm) through 0 (no effect) to +100 (maximum benefit). The BSDI is converted to a score on a scale from -4 (maximum harm) through 0 (no effect) to +4 (maximum benefit). A Wilcoxon signed-rank test and linear regression analysis were performed. RESULTS: A statistically significant benefit (Wilcoxon signed-rank test) from treatment of 31.36 (95% confidence interval = 26.22-36.50; p < 0.001) and 1.04 (95% confidence interval = 0.80-1.27; p < 0.001) using the GBI and BSDI scores, respectively. Regression analysis was performed demonstrating a strong positive correlation between both scales (r = 0.637). CONCLUSIONS: BTX treatment for blepharospasm is associated with significant patient-reported improvements in quality-of-life (GBI) and functional ability (BSDI) with a strong positive correlation between both scores.