Single-use instruments: Beyond the backup role

In the modern ophthalmic surgical center, clinical efficiency, sustainability, and economic viability often represent intertwined but diverging goals. Cataract surgery, the most commonly performed ophthalmic procedure globally, lies at the heart of these issues. Amid growing concerns related to clinical waste and carbon emissions, the question of whether to use reusable instruments (RUIs) or single-use instruments (SUIs) is more pertinent than ever.