Reducing topical drug waste in ophthalmic surgery: multisociety position paper. Issue 9 (September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Palmer, David J.; Robin, Alan L.; McCabe, Cathleen M.; Chang, David F.
• Is Part Of: Journal of cataract and refractive surgery. Volume 48:Issue 9(2022)
• Page Start: 1073
• Page End: 1077
• Publication Date: 2022-09
• Subjects: 617.7
• DOI: 10.1097/j.jcrs.0000000000000975
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0886-3350

Abstract

Abstract : Multidose bottles of topical medication can be used on multiple surgical patients until the labeled expiration date if proper guidelines are followed. Abstract : This position article on reducing topical drug waste with ophthalmic surgery was written by the Ophthalmic Instrument Cleaning and Sterilization Task Force, comprising representatives of the ASCRS, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Glaucoma Society, and Outpatient Ophthalmic Surgery Society. Drug waste significantly increases the costs and carbon footprint of ophthalmic surgery. Surgical facilities should be permitted to use topical drugs in multidose containers on multiple patients until the manufacturer's labeled date of expiration, if proper guidelines are followed. Surgical patients requiring a topical medication not used for other patients should be allowed to bring that partially used medication home for postoperative use. These recommendations are based on published evidence and clarification of policies from multiple regulatory and accrediting agencies with jurisdiction over surgical facilities. Surveys suggest that most ambulatory surgery centers and hospitals performing cataract surgery are wasting topical drugs unnecessarily.