Evaluation of Turkish Ophthalmologists' Opinions on Surgical Waste During Cataract Surgery

Purpose: Objective: We aimed to investigate the attitudes of ophthalmologists toward the excessive amount of waste generated during modern cataract surgery practices. Methods: Survey study and a prospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study. An online questionnaire consisting of 23 questions was directed to ophthalmologists practicing in Erzurum Province and its surroundings. Duplicate responses were prevented by allowing only one submission to the survey. Participants were asked to complete the questionnaire only if they performed cataract surgery. Results: The study included 102 ophthalmologists through an online survey. Approximately 43% of the participants performed between 200-500 cataract surgeries per year. 90% of the respondents believed that operating room waste was excessive and should be reduced. Among the drivers of waste/garbage generation in the study, the most common response (78%) was the widely recognized safety benefits of disposables. Again, when asked about the main drivers for using disposable instruments in ophthalmic surgery, the most common response was reduced liability (77%). 80% of respondents said that device and supply manufacturers should consider the environmental/carbon footprint in product design. When asked to what extent it reduces your willingness to use a material or medication in more than one patient, the highest preferred answer was the risk of endophthalmitis, while the least preferred answer was decreased efficiency. Conclusion: In conclusion, most ophthalmologists agree that a lot of waste is generated during surgery and that more widespread use of sterilizable materials rather than disposables could reduce waste.