If you wear soft contact lenses, here’s something you might want to know: a new study suggests that many popular brands in the US may be made mostly of PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals.”
Researchers tested 18 kinds of soft contact lenses from major brands like Acuvue, Alcon, and Coopervision. What they found was surprising—extremely high levels of a chemical marker called organic fluorine, which is a telltale sign of PFAS. In fact, the levels were so high that one researcher, Dr. Scott Belcher, said the lenses could be “almost pure PFAS.”
What are PFAS?
PFAS (short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are man-made chemicals used in lots of everyday products because they resist water, stains, and heat. But they’re called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment—or in our bodies.
They’ve been linked to serious health problems like cancer, liver and kidney disease, autoimmune disorders, and even complications during pregnancy.
Why Are PFAS in Contact Lenses?
It turns out that the same properties that make PFAS useful in non-stick pans or waterproof jackets also make them useful in contacts. They allow lenses to let oxygen through, resist bacteria, and feel smooth and comfortable on the eye.
That’s why fluoropolymers—a type of PFAS—are often used to make soft, disposable lenses.
Should You Be Worried?
That’s a tricky question. Right now, we don’t have studies showing exactly how much PFAS from lenses gets absorbed into the body through the eyes. But we do know that PFAS can enter the body through the skin and are known to be highly mobile—meaning they can move around easily inside us.
And while fluoropolymers are considered less likely to move through the body compared to other PFAS, there’s still uncertainty. Once these materials break down, they can turn into more harmful types of PFAS. But again, more research is needed.
Some earlier studies, including one from China in 2020, did link high PFAS exposure to eye-related diseases, though not specifically from contacts.
The Study’s Findings
Here’s a quick look at what the researchers found:
The highest levels of PFAS were in:
- Alcon Air Optix (No Hydraglide) for Astigmatism (20,000 ppm)
- Alcon Air Optix Colors with Smartshield (20,700 ppm)
- Alcon Total30 Daily Wear (20,400 ppm)
- The lowest levels were in:
- Acuvue Oasys with Hydraclear Plus (113 ppm)
- Alcon Dailies Total One-Day for Astigmatism (106 ppm)
For context, PFAS levels over 100 ppm are considered very high when compared to levels found in other everyday items.
What Can You Do?
Right now, there’s not a lot consumers can do. PFAS are not often labeled on packaging because companies can claim them as trade secrets. There also aren’t any US laws that ban PFAS in contact lenses, though some states have started cracking down on these chemicals in other products like cosmetics.
If you’re concerned, you could talk to your eye doctor about possible PFAS-free options or switch to glasses more often. But even Scott Belcher, one of the researchers, hasn’t stopped using his contacts—he says it’s a decision to make with your doctor.
What Comes Next?
Laws may eventually catch up. Maine, for example, has passed a ban on non-essential PFAS use starting in 2030. The European Union is also considering similar rules. But until then, the best step is to stay informed and make the choices that feel right for your health.
Source:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412019338152
https://www.ehn.org/pfas-contact-lenses
https://mamavation.com/health/pfas-contact-lenses.html
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