A recent consumer study on 18 sets of soft contact lenses has identified various levels of organic fluorine that could be a potential indicator for the presence of toxic “forever chemicals,” according to researchers.
Talk about these “forever chemicals” first.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFA) substances are a group of 12,000+ chemicals used to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that are stain-, oil-, and water-resistant.
As these chemicals are long-lasting and slow to break down—not to mention widespread and persistent in the environment—they can last for years or decades.
What happens if exposed to PFAS?
Exposure to PFAS can occur by consuming PFAS-contaminated food or water, or by using products that contain them.
Potential health impacts from these chemicals include a weakened immune system, cardiovascular disease, metabolic diseases, and increased cancer risk.
And the connection to contact lenses?
Per the American Chemical Society, soft contact lenses are typically made with a trio-combo of materials: poly(methyl methacrylate), silicones, and fluoropolymers.
To note: organic fluorine is typically a marker of PFAS.
Why use fluoropolymers?
According to Terrence Collins, director of the Institute for Green Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University, “Fluoropolymers improve the technical performance of contact lenses at attractive price performances … “ he stated in the study.
However, Collins further said that fluoropolymer-containing contact lenses are likely to permanently contaminate a wearer, as the body is not able to process the material.
Now tell me about this consumer study.
The research was commissioned by Mamavation, an eco-wellness digital platform run by blogger Leah Segedie, focusing on non-toxic product recommendations that have organized over 15 consumer studies on PFAS, in partnership with Environmental Health News.
A total of 18 sets of soft contact lenses from three popular brand names—Alcon, Acuvue, and CooperVision—were sent to a laboratory certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to test for organic fluorine (a marker for PFAS).
What kind of testing was this?
According to the study, a determination of total fluorine by oxygen flask combustion and ion-selective electrode method was tested on the lenses.
If total fluorine was detected (at a 10 parts per million [ppm] level), a second market test was conducted — determination of free fluorine ion in the product by ion-selective electrode—with the result subtracted from the total fluorine findings to identify the amount of organic fluoride present.
And the findings?
All contact lenses revealed levels of organic fluorine ranging from 105 to 20,700 ppm—far exceeding the highest level standard set by the EPA, according to the study.
Alcon lenses were found to have the highest levels (+1,000 ppm), with the top three being:
- Alcon AIR OPTIX Colors Contact Lenses with Smartshield Technology (20,700 ppm)
- Alcon Total 30 Contact Lens for Daily Wear (20,400 ppm)
- Alcon Air OPTIX (No Hydraglide) Soft Contact Lenses for Astigmatism (20,000 ppm)
What were the lowest levels?
With less than 200 ppm, the lowest three included:
- Acuvue Oasys with Hydraclear Plus Brand Contact Lenses with UV Blocking (113 ppm)
- Alcon Dailies TOTAL 1 One-Day Contact Lenses Water Gradient for Astigmatism (106 ppm)
- Acuvue Oasys with Hydraclear Plus for Astigmatism (105 ppm)
The full list featuring the “worst” (CooperVision’s Biofinity Toric Contact Lenses and Comfilcon A Multifocal Tinted Soft Contact Lenses included), “better,” and “best” lens results is viewable here.
Takeaways.
These findings are just the latest research exploring the potential risks of fluoropolymers (and PFAS in general) on how they may impact humans.
Segedie questioned whether such chemicals are essential to contact lenses functioning properly, and noted that manufacturers might be best served by providing information on how fluoropolymers enhance lens performance.
Have the companies responded to this study?
Indeed. In a statement to the Glance editorial team, Alcon questioned the validity of the study.
"Dailies Total1 and Total30 contact lenses do not contain organic fluorine in their formulation," stated an Alcon spokesperson. "Alcon is requesting a copy of the report to better understand how it reached its conclusions."
The spokesperson added that, “Alcon continually monitors and evaluates emerging science and information about the materials we use so that we can keep earning the trust of the eyecare professionals and consumers we serve."
In a statement to VMAIL (published on May 18, 2023), a CooperVision spokesperson stated that, "Like thousands of companies, we are learning as much as possible about this issue [PFAS]—and are committed to acting responsibly in the interests of our customers and sustainable practices."
The spokesperson also noted that CooperVision has"... not been provided with its data and have not been contacted by the organization. There are multiple definitions of PFAS around the world, with no universal consensus.”
In response to a request for comment from the Glance editorial team, Johnson & Johnson declined to comment at this time.
Editor's note: This article has been updated as of June 2, 2023, to reflect the following changes:
- A previous version of this article incorrectly included a link to an EPA webpage about organic fluoride, not fluorine.
- Responses to the consumer study from Alcon, Johnson & Johnson, and CooperVision have been included.