Sustainability in Cataract and Refractive Surgery: Current Challenges and Future Perspectives

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology and Environmental Science

Background:

• Cataract and refractive surgery significantly improve vision but contribute to healthcare's environmental footprint.
• Key challenges include medical waste from single-use items, high energy consumption, and pharmaceutical overuse.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the environmental impact of ophthalmic surgery.
• To assess current sustainable practices and identify eco-friendly innovations in the field.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of environmental impacts and sustainable initiatives in ophthalmic surgery.
• Analysis of current challenges and emerging solutions, including technological and regulatory advancements.

Main Results:

• Ophthalmic procedures generate substantial medical waste, consume significant energy, and involve extensive pharmaceutical use.
• Limited implementation of sustainable practices like reusable tools and biodegradable packaging exists.
• Advancements include energy-efficient devices, digital instructions, optimized protocols, and green hospital policies.

Conclusions:

• Further research on life cycle assessments and carbon footprint is essential.
• Regulatory reforms and broader adoption of innovations are needed to advance sustainable ophthalmic surgery without compromising patient outcomes.