Eyeworld

12 | EYEWORLD | WINTER 2025 ASCRS NEWS References (continued) 7. Shukla AG, Chang DF, et al. Reusing surgical materials for cataract surgery: an assess- ment of potential contamina- tion. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2024;50:993–999. 8. Chen SP, Baveja GB, Chang DF. Quantifying the reduction in eco- nomic and environmental waste from multi-use phacoemulsi- fication tubing/cassettes and diamond blades. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2025 Sep 9. Online ahead of print. Registry cases would have been performed with single-use cassettes. We previously published an AECS microbiological study that cultured tubing reused all day and residual irrigation fluid from bags that were reused on multiple consecutive eyes. 7 None of the 370 cultures were positive for bacterial growth, consistent with a low risk of cross contamination. In another recent study, we published a cost and carbon footprint life-cycle analysis of an au- toclavable tubing/cassette that is FDA approved for up to 20 uses. 8 The carbon footprint of 1,000 single-use cassettes with packaging was 725 kg CO 2 eq, which would be equivalent to driving a car 1,764 miles (2,849 km). This would gener- ate 527 lbs (239 kg) of waste, of which 85% is non-recyclable plastic. Incorporating this option for the Compact Intuitiv machine (Johnson & Johnson) at our surgery center during the past year cut the waste and emissions by 20-fold and resulted in a 67% cost savings on tubing/ cassettes per year. Approved "day" cassettes that are reused for multiple consecutive patients without being removed, cleaned, or autoclaved between cases are available for a few machines in some global markets. However, they are not offered by the largest machine manufacturers accounting for the majority of global market share, and none are currently available in the U.S. Machines with the option of a day cassette approved for multiple consecutive same-day cases include the Rayner Sophi (10 cases), Oertli CataRhex 3 (6 cases), and Zeiss/DORC EVA NEXUS (20 cases). The Geuder Megatron S4 HPS and Ruck Qube Pro platforms limit the consecutive number of hours that the day cassette can be used (6 hours and 16 hours, respectively). In addition to re- ducing OR turnover time, day cassettes reduce the per case costs of manufacturing the product, the facility shelf space to store the product, and the significant carbon emissions and non-recy- clable plastic waste from cataract surgery. Sev- eral of these manufacturers plan to seek FDA approval of their day cassette option. With a global mandate to reduce the healthcare sector's environmental impact, high volume specialties like ophthalmology must reduce unnecessary waste and emissions, such as by safely reusing products required for every procedure. The position paper argues that day cassettes and other multiuse supplies should be offered as an option for every phacoemul- sification machine. Because of the significant savings in manufacturing, packaging, and shipping costs, this option should reduce facility costs, improve OR efficiency, and dramatically reduce unnecessary waste without compromis- ing safety. Finally, the paper educates surgeons and their facilities to consider adopting waste and cost-reducing multiuse phacoemulsification supply options when they are available. continued from page 10 Upcoming ASCRS Foundation events Get involved with Party for a Purpose The ASCRS Foundation is looking for inter- ested teams and individuals to participate in the next Party for a Purpose event in Washington, D.C. "Party for a Purpose in the USA" will take place on Friday, April 10 from 8:00–11:00 p.m. In celebration of the ASCRS Annual Meeting being held in the nation's capital, during the 250th anniversary of the U.S., the theme will focus on U.S. cities/states. Teams will compete by performing a song/dance that includes a U.S. city or state, e.g. "California Girls." Team members and party attendees are encouraged to wear outfits to support specific teams, or wear red, white, or blue. Several teams will compete for donations during this fun and lively event. During the 2025 event, more than $180,000 was raised to benefit the Foundation and Operation Sight. If you're interested in leading or joining a team, contact Laura Rousseau (lrousseau@ascrs.org). Physicians, indus- try representatives, and administrators are all welcome to participate. ASCRS Foundation 20/20 Wine Club: Virtual Wine Tasting The ASCRS Foundation's previously an- nounced Virtual Wine Tasting has been postponed to early 2026. Stay tuned for more details on this event, which will benefit Operation Sight and the ASCRS Foundation. The tasting will be a live, online event, with wines from Jessup Cellars and Handwritten Wines. Join Vance Thompson, MD, Eric Donnenfeld, MD, Kerry Solomon, MD, and Jim Mazzo for an evening of wine tasting, while supporting a great cause. Members and non-mem- bers are invited to participate. The ASCRS Foundation 20/20 Wine Club is a part- nership between the Foundation, Jessup Cellars, and Handwritten Wines. Members receive a customizable selection of wine (6–12 bottles) at their doorstep every spring and fall. A portion of the proceeds support the ASCRS Foundation. Stay tuned for more details on how you can be part of this unforgettable evening!

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