Scoping Review of Cataract Surgery Sterility: Data Gaps Linking Sustainability and Clinical Impact

The authors conducted a scoping review to assess the global practices, clinical effectiveness, and environmental impact of sterility measures in adult cataract surgery, including antiseptics, drapes, gloves, masks, and gowns. They found that while conjunctival povidone-iodine and mask usage are supported by substantial evidence in reducing infection risk, draping, gloving, and gowning practices are primarily based on opinion rather than robust clinical data, raising concerns about their environmental impact. This highlights significant data gaps linking surgical sterility practices to both clinical outcomes and sustainability.