Factors contributing to the carbon footprint of cataract surgery

Taboun, Omar Salem; Orr, Samantha M.A.; Pereira, Austin; Choudhry, Netan

doi:10.1097/j.jcrs.0000000000001204

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 31 publications

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“…2 Subsequently, numerous other studies worldwide have examined the environmental impact of cataract surgery. [3][4][5][6] The environmental impact of these surgeries stems from factors such as material procurement, patient and staff transportation, energy consumption and waste disposal.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cataract surgery and environmental sustainability: a comparative analysis of single-use versus reusable cassettes in phacoemulsification

Kallay,

Sadad,

Zafzafi

et al. 2024

BMJ Open Ophth

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ObjectiveTo compare sustainability, financial implications and surgical efficiency of two phacoemulsification cassette systems for cataract surgery: a machine with single-use cassettes and another with daily, reusable ones.MethodsObservational study involving retrospective cataract surgery data collection at the Centre Médical de l’Alliance, Braine-l’Alleud, Belgium, a tertiary eye care centre. Information on cassette weight, quantities and transport volume was obtained from routine procedures and purchasing records. The costs for each machine were calculated by reviewing the invoices received from the accounting department.ResultsWe found significant differences across comparisons. The reusable cassette machine, when compared with the single-use machine, used 306.7 kg less plastic (75.3% reduction), required 2494 m3less storage per 1000 surgeries (67.7% decrease) and cost €54.16 less per 10 procedures (16.9% reduction). The machine with daily reusable cassettes also exhibited a 7-minute priming time advantage for 10 procedures, reducing downtime between cases.ConclusionsOur findings underscore the benefits of adopting reusable cassette systems: reduced plastic consumption, storage volume and priming time, as well as enhanced efficiency and cost-savings. Healthcare professionals and institutions are encouraged to embrace environmentally conscious initiatives. The use of reusable cassette systems for cataract surgeries offers a pathway to sustainable practices.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cataract surgery and environmental sustainability: a comparative analysis of single-use versus reusable cassettes in phacoemulsification

Kallay,

Sadad,

Zafzafi

et al. 2024

BMJ Open Ophth

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Eco-sustainability in ophthalmology

Lee,

Menean,

Williams

et al. 2024

Current Opinion in Ophthalmology

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Purpose of review The purpose of this review is to evaluate the current state of eco-sustainability in ophthalmology, highlighting key practices, recent advancements, and areas requiring improvement. This review aims to provide ophthalmologists with a comprehensive overview of sustainable practices that can reduce environmental impact. Recent findings Recent studies have identified several areas within ophthalmology where sustainable practices can be implemented including multidose eyedrops, adjusting surgical packs, making package inserts available electronically, and reusing surgical instruments. Moreover, there is an increasing emphasis on waste reduction both in the surgical and clinical setting, by decreasing the use of unnecessary materials and implementing more efficient use of recycling programs. Telemedicine has also emerged as a sustainable option, reducing the carbon footprint associated with patient travel. Despite these advancements, significant challenges remain, particularly in balancing the cost and accessibility of sustainable options with traditional practices. Summary Eco-sustainability in ophthalmology is gaining momentum as the medical community aims to reduce its environmental impact. While progress has been made, further efforts are required to overcome financial and logistical barriers to widespread implementation. Continued research, education, and policy development are essential to advancing eco-sustainable practices, ensuring that environmental considerations become an integral part of ophthalmic care.

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Tracing the barriers to decarbonising ophthalmology: A review

Lam,

Bradbrook,

Gale

2024

Clinical Exper Ophthalmology

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As climate change demands increasingly urgent mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions, the health sector needs to do its part to decarbonise. Ophthalmologists share concerns about climate change and seek opportunities to reduce their environmental impact. When measuring the footprint of ophthalmology, major contributions are from patient travel to clinics, and from the large amounts of single‐use disposable materials that are consumed during surgeries and sterile procedures. Ophthalmic services in India have already demonstrated systems that consume far fewer of these products through efficient throughput of patients and the safe reuse of many items, while maintaining equivalent safety and quality outcomes. Choosing these low‐cost low‐emission options would seem obvious, but many ophthalmologists experience barriers that prevent them operating as Indian surgeons do. Understanding these barriers to change is a crucial step in the decarbonisation of ophthalmology and the health sector more broadly.

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Factors contributing to the carbon footprint of cataract surgery

Cited by 3 publications

References 31 publications

Cataract surgery and environmental sustainability: a comparative analysis of single-use versus reusable cassettes in phacoemulsification

Cataract surgery and environmental sustainability: a comparative analysis of single-use versus reusable cassettes in phacoemulsification

Eco-sustainability in ophthalmology

Tracing the barriers to decarbonising ophthalmology: A review

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