Reusable Cassettes
The drive towards all-day systems
The Need for Reusable Phacoemulsification Systems
Released in late 2025, this multisociety position paper is an evidence-based review of the global cassette market, international surgeon survey data, and the growing body of research supporting safe reuse of phacoemulsification supplies. It also details the substantial reductions in carbon emissions and non-recyclable plastic waste that reuse would achieve. This landmark paper has been endorsed by all the major cataract and refractive surgery societies around the world and will be hugely consequential in the ongoing efforts to create a more sustainable future for ophthalmology.
The October 2024 issue of JCRS highlights a study from Aravind showing reusable surgical instruments allow for safe and sustainable ophthalmic care. Extensive microbial cultures taken from surgical instruments reused multiple times were negative for bacterial or fungal growth.
The quest for an all-day phaco cassette
In the United States, the only company that currently offers multi-use phaco cassettes is Johnson & Johnson’s Compact Intuitiv phaco system, which can be sterilized and reused up to 20 times. Globally, Oertli’s CataRhex 3 and Faros systems also offer reusable cassettes that can be sterilized 10 times.
Rayner’s Sophi (Swiss Ophthalmology Innovation) phacoemulsification system features a multi-use, all-day cassette that can be used for up to 10 procedures. Sophi is currently available in Europe, Latin America, and is pending FDA approval in the US. Learn how the Sophi team is innovating at multiple levels to reduce the carbon footprint associated with cataract surgery, from reducing packaging volume by 38% and weight by 19% with the eco-cassette and increasing the unit quantity per carton by 60% for more sustainable transportation and storage.
Learn more by watching this short video by Rayner.