HLD of Reusable Ophthalmic Devices
Position Paper on High-Level Disinfection (HLD) of Reusable Ophthalmic Devices
Regulatory and accrediting organizations are increasingly citing facilities for what they consider inadequate disinfection of reusable ophthalmic devices. As a result, many facilities are required to perform high-level disinfection (HLD) before reusing tonometry tips, ultrasound probes, and diagnostic and laser contact lenses. Routine chemical HLD increases healthcare costs, reduces clinical efficiency and productivity, generates additional plastic and chemical waste, and may damage these ophthalmic devices.
Six leading ophthalmology organizations have jointly released a multisociety position statement, Assessment of the Necessity for High-Level Disinfection (HLD) of Reusable Ophthalmic Devices. This joint position statement has been formally endorsed by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the American Glaucoma Society, the American Society of Retina Specialists, the Outpatient Ophthalmic Surgery Society, and EyeSustain.
A multisociety HLD Task Force comprising representatives from each of the six organizations was convened by EyeSustain in 2025. Co-chaired by David F Chang MD and Irene C Kuo MD, the Task Force reviewed the published clinical evidence and conducted a large survey of ophthalmologists’ current practices for reprocessing reusable tonometry tips and diagnostic and laser contact lenses. The survey results are published in the October 2026 issue of the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery and can be read and downloaded [here]. The most commonly used reprocessing methods were alcohol wiping for tonometry tips and either alcohol wiping or soap and water for diagnostic and laser contact lenses. Reports of adenoviral transmission associated with device reuse were extremely rare, and no published evidence was identified that these devices transmit serious ocular infections.
The multisociety position statement calls on manufacturers, policymakers, and accrediting organizations to revise current requirements to allow greater physician discretion in selecting the most clinically appropriate reprocessing method for these reusable ophthalmic devices.