Copyright ? 2023 Published by Wolters Kluwer on behalf of ASCRS and ESCRS.Purpose:To analyze the cataract package variability in 1 country, Austria.Setting:Austrian Departments of Ophthalmology.Design:Cross-sectional study.Methods:The cataract package components of 3 different Austrian hospitals were weighed and life cycle assessment on each product performed. This data was then extrapolated to the sales figures of the main Austrian cataract package suppliers to estimate the carbon footprint of all cataract packages used in Austria in 2021.Results:There were 55 different cataract package compositions in use with an average weight of 0.7 kg. These compositions differ significantly in weight and composition considering that the smallest package was 57 lighter than the largest package. The size of the surgical drapes also showed considerable variation, with a difference of up to 71. This is substantial, considering that drapes and covers account for about 53 of the package weight.Conclusions:There was a considerable variation in package composition and product size, which could provide opportunities to save carbon dioxide emissions in cataract surgery. If all Austrian eye departments were to reduce the material quantities and drape sizes to the lower third of the cataract packages used in the Austria in 2021, cataract package associated CO2 emissions could be reduced by 34.
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