Plastic Materials in Contacts Lenses. Are They Safe?

In a recent study conducted by a group called Mamavation in partnership with Environmental Health News, researchers found that 18 sets of soft contact lenses were evaluated and came back with various levels of organic fluorine—an indicator for the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS). PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” is a large, complex group of synthetic chemicals used in consumer products worldwide since the 1950s, according to the National Institutes of Health. They are ingredients in various everyday products, can last years without breaking down, and have been linked to cancer and other serious health issues. The sets of soft contact lenses tested were from three major companies (Acuvue, a Johnson & Johnson Vision brand, Alcon, and CooperVision). Contact lens analysis by a laboratory certified by the Environmental Protection Agency by the Mamavation eco-wellness website to determine how much of this PFAS building block was present in each product. The study examined organic fluorine in lenses made by Acuvue, Alcon, and Coopervision. It found the chemical between 105 parts per million (ppm) to 20,700 ppm. The chemistry is complex, and the lenses may have some other ingredients, but the readings suggest fluoropolymers. Fluoropolymer PFAS, in this form, is essentially a soft plastic material and a significant component for disposable, soft lenses. Among the tested contact lenses, 22% displayed organic fluorine levels surpassing 18,000 ppm, accounting for four of the 18 products assessed. Additionally, 44% of the lenses tested contained over 4,000 ppm of organic fluorine, representing eight of the 18 products examined. What our lab found was a bit concerning because 100% of the popular contact lens products we sent came back with various levels of organic fluorine, a marker for PFAS. Two companies use silicone hydrogel lenses that are free of PFAS. Our trusted manufacturing partner, Visco Vision, manufactures lenses. Visco is the largest manufacturer of silicone hydrogels and has been leading in the contact lens industry since 2009. The manufacturing plant originates in Taoyuan City, Taiwan. These lenses contain high-quality silicone hydrogel. With 47% water content and high oxygen permeability (175 Dk/t), Eiyan lenses provide all-day comfort and moistness. Band L Lenses made up of Silicone hydrogel Band L Lenses: https://eiyanlens.com/ Enjoy the show. If you want more, sign up for my newsletter at: www.drsamberne.com. If you have any questions, submit them to hello@drsamberne.com or you can now text me! Text ‘Join’ to 1-844-932-1291 to join the community and ask your questions!   SUMMARY KEYWORDS plastic, contact lenses, called, eye, pfa, ocular, contact lens, podcast, research, lenses, article, microbiome, membership, company, organic, private facebook community, toxic, sam, questions, today   00:05 Hey everybody, its Dr. Sam and I’d like to welcome you to my EyeCarity podcast. So if you want to get in touch with me, you can send me an email at Hello@drsamberne.com. Or you can text me now 1-844-932-1291 Send me your questions. Before we get to today’s show, I want to announce my membership program. This is an opportunity for you to get exposed to my exclusive content and resources, things you won’t see on my social