What Factors Influence Job Retention and Resignation of Sonographers in New York City?

Participants completed an electronic self assessment questionnaire, and researchers completed an on site evaluation of the work environment.The evaluation included questions about symptoms and frequency of eyestrain, screen use during personal time, smoking and alcohol habits, water intake, eyewear, and vision status.The work environment was evaluated for type of lighting, presence/absence of windows, room temperature, and workstation environment.Results: Eighteen sonographers participated in the study; seven echocardiographers, five general sonographers, four obgyn sonographers, one vascular sonographer and one breast sonographer.Eyestrain symptoms were reported by 72% of sonographers during their work shift, and 55% reported eye strain during their leisure time.The most common symptoms reported included headache, brain fog, and the urge to rest one's eyes.The more cases one scanned, the higher reported rate of eye strain symptoms.There was a greater reported incidence of eye strain if the sonographer scanned with lights off (80%), as compared to dim lighting (63%).All sonographers who reported a history of LASIK surgery experienced symptoms of eye strain.Although the sample was very small, general sonographers reported the highest prevalence of DES.Conclusions: Male sonographers were not included in this study.Due to the small sample no generalized conclusions can be made, however further research is required to assess the incidence of digital eye strain in sonographers, and to investigate if one can delineate environmental modifications to reduce the risk of eye strain in the clinical setting.It is possible that ultrasound departments should consider dimming options for lighting as higher incidence of eye strain was seen with sonographers who scan exclusively in the dark.Digital eye strain is often overlooked as an occupational hazard.Further investigation is warranted, as future research findings may contribute to interventions that can promote ocular health of sonographers.