PFAs in soft contact lenses have been in the news recently, and while there are currently no published case reports or formal safety alerts of direct harmful effects relating to PFAS in contact lenses, there have been concerns raised in the US.
The College of Optometrists clinical advisers, Daniel Hardiman-McCartney FCOptom MBE and Denise Voon MCOptom, explain the issue to reassure concerned patients.
Watch our video explaining what PFAS chemicals are and why they are used in contact lenses:
PFAS chemicals are a family of synthetic chemicals that have been used in various consumer and industrial products since the 1940s. They are also known as forever chemicals because they are extremely persistent in the environment and our bodies. PFAS chemicals are present in many consumer products such as non-stick cooking utensils, carpets, drinking water and some contact lenses. If excessive amounts of PFAS are found in the body, they can lead to health problems.
PFAS chemicals have properties that are useful for contact lenses; they allow oxygen to get through to the eye which is important for eye health and they allow the surface to be smooth and ‘wettable’ which means you can wear contact lenses comfortably.
There is a lot we don’t know about PFAS and contact lenses. Currently, there are no reported cases of direct harmful effects relating to PFAS in contact lenses. Also there isn’t any published research on whether PFAS are able to leak out from contact lenses and if so whether they can actually be absorbed by the eye.
However, we do know that the PFAS used in contact lenses are fluoropolymers which is a less mobile form of PFAS and we also know that the cornea is strong and effective barrier, like your skin.
There are some soft contact lenses which are not ‘formulated’ with PFAS which means PFAS are not in the ingredients of the contact lenses but it could still mean that PFAS are involved within the manufacturing process e.g. in the moulds they use to make them. You may also find lists online which lists different levels of PFAS in soft contact lenses, however, you should be cautious about comparing these, as the levels are minute and difficult to measure.
Our view is that you can continue to wear contact lenses, which are medical devices with a longstanding safety track record. Your optometrist will be able to make sure that you are wearing the lenses that are best for you and that your eyes are healthy and still suitable for contact lens wear.
It is also really important that you have an up-to-date pair of glasses that you can use if you can’t or don’t want to wear your contact lenses for any reason.
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