Environmental impact of patient travel for cataract surgery

To analyze the environmental impact of patient travel for cataract surgery at a German ophthalmology center.

All cataract surgeries performed between October 23 and October 27, 2023, were analyzed, and all patient records were reviewed for follow-up visits. All travel distances were calculated, and the associated emissions were quantified. Additionally, patients' utilization of geographically closer branch practices for follow-up care was evaluated, along with the corresponding effects on travel-related emissions.

A total of 69 patients underwent unilateral cataract surgery. The average one-way travel distance was 40.1 km (24.9 mi; SD = 23.6 km). Corresponding emissions were 1284.8 kg of greenhouse gas (GHG), 2.477 kg of nitrogen oxides, and 0.101 kg of particulates. All patients attended at least two follow-up visits. Conducting follow-up visits at branch practices reduced travel distance by 49.1%. The associated GHG emissions from all travel were 1984.3 kg. Emissions from follow-up visits were 54.4% higher than those from the surgery itself. Total GHG emissions amounted to 3269.1 kg, with an average of 47.4 kg of GHG per patient for all travel associated with cataract surgery.

A dense network of branch practices contributes to reducing the carbon footprint of cataract surgery-related patient travel; however, the development of digital health approaches for follow-up care is necessary to further optimize the environmental sustainability of cataract surgery.