Prevalence of Eye Strain Among Radiologists: Influence of Viewing Variables on Symptoms

Abstract

Eye strain was common among the radiologists in our study population, with no significant difference between PACS and hard-copy film users. Taking frequent short breaks, eliminating screen flicker, and limiting the number of CT screening studies interpreted may improve symptoms.

The Insidious Problem of Fatigue in Medical Imaging Practice

“…While a great deal of other clinicians' time is spent "hands on," the radiologist's time is instead "eyes on," with the workflow of a diagnostic radiologist essentially confined to the human-computer interface. As the volume and complexity of medical imaging data continue to increase, radiologists are faced with progressive occupational fatigue, which takes on an additional component in the forms of eye strain and visual fatigue [12]. Radiologist eye strain and visual fatigue has been shown to adversely affect radiologist productivity and diagnostic accuracy by contributing to perceptual errors, performance errors, decreased reaction time, and even burn out [13].…”

“…These increasing work demands on the radiologist community have likely contributed to increased visual fatigue [29]. A number of technical factors have also been reported to contribute to visual fatigue including workstation design, monitor resolution, brightness and contrast, image refresh rates, screen flicker and glare, and working distances and angles [12].…”

What is the relation between number of sessions worked and productivity of radiologists—a pilot study?

“…This can reduce productivity and increase stress levels in radiologists. Complex imaging studies inherently require more effort to report, and in particular reporting CT scans can increase eye strain (p<0.04) [24]. By reporting more CT scans our 10 PA radiologists may be at a disadvantage compared to our 12 PA radiologists, who report fewer eye strain-inducing images and are as a result may be less fatigued and more productive.…”

Chest Including Lungs and Mediastinum

“…Increased ambient light is a cause of increased image adjustment and windowing and fatigue with eye strain (Siegel and Reiner 2002 ). To reduce eye strain, readers are advised to take frequent short breaks, adjust and optimize background light, eliminate screen fl icker and limit the number of studies for interpretation (Vertinsky and Forster 2005 ). Recently, image processing and analysis tools have become much better developed, and such types of equipment are more user-friendly (Figs.…”