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sore necks and backs. There are several ways to improve their com- fort, including adjustable microscopes, heads-up displays, and ergonomically designed chairs and stools. Heads-up displays broadcast the images of the microscope on flat- panel screens — much like those used in endoscopic cases — to give the surgeon a more comfortable view of the eye. Ms. Carpenter says that her surgeons like using microscopes with adjustable ocular lenses "so they can sit straight up and look forward instead of having to bend their neck to look through the microscope." How a surgeon sits also makes a huge difference. Because of that, Ms. Carpenter suggests letting your surgeons pick out their own stools or chairs that are most comfortable for them. For example, she says that one of her surgeons had back surgery previously, so he chose a chair specifically designed to help those with back problems. "He says it really makes a difference," she says. Positioning the patient correctly is also important. Surgeons need to work with their team to find a standard patient position that's going to be comfortable, no matter how complex the case, says Dr. Newsom. Since this is different for every surgeon, he suggests looking for beds, microscopes and other positioning devices that are simple and quick to adjust. The surgeon should work with staff members to find a stan- dard position that is most comfortable for him. "If you start to have a complication or problem during surgery, all of a sudden a 5-minute procedure becomes a 25-minute one," he says. "You might think you can easily tolerate an odd position for 5 minutes, but if it goes to 20 or 25, then that's when it's going to put a strain on your body." Safety sharps Safety sharps aren't always an easy sell to surgeons, but they can have a major impact on staff safety. Though Ms. Carpenter's sur- 8 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 6 • O U T PA T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T • 1 0 5