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Detection and characterization of microplastics in commercial eye drops: A novel ocular exposure pathway
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Researchers tested commercial eye drop products for microplastic contamination using multiple analytical methods and found microplastics present in all tested brands. The particles were mostly smaller than 100 micrometers and composed primarily of PVC, polyethylene, and polypropylene, identifying eye drops as a previously unrecognized route of direct ocular microplastic exposure.
• This study employed three techniques, namely LDIR, Py-GCMS, and SEM, to characterize microplastics in eye drops. • Among the four brands eye drop solutions, a minimum of 2 microplastic particles and a maximum of 14 microplastic particles were detected, encompassing various types such as PE, PER, PP, ACR, and PET. • PVC is one of the main microplastic pollutants, with its content in some samples exceeding 60% of the total microplastics. Microplastics (MPs), as emerging contaminants, have infiltrated various environments and consumer products, and are widely present in human tissues and bodily fluids. Currently, there is limited research on microplastic contamination in pharmaceuticals, particularly in eye drops that directly contact the ocular surface, where the risk of microplastic exposure urgently requires evaluation. This study investigated microplastic contamination in eye drops, aiming to assess the presence of microplastics in over-the-counter eye drops used directly on the ocular surface. The study employed multiple analytical methods, including laser direct infrared spectroscopy (LDIR), pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), to test commercially available eye drop samples. The results revealed that microplastics were present in all tested brands of eye drops, with most particles being smaller than 100 µm and primarily composed of polymers such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP). Variations in the quantity, type, and morphology of microplastics were observed among different brands, suggesting that production processes or packaging may be sources of contamination. The study indicates that microplastic contamination in eye drops, which are formulations that directly contact the ocular surface, may pose potential risks to ocular health. Current pharmaceutical quality control standards do not yet cover such contaminants, highlighting the urgent need for attention from regulatory authorities, manufacturers, and medical professionals.
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Microplastic contamination in commercial ophthalmic solutions: Exposure, polymer types, and analytical detection methods
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Researchers found tiny plastic particles called microplastics in common eye drop products, meaning these particles could be getting into your eyes every time you use them. While scientists don't yet know exactly what this means for eye health, the discovery adds eye drops to the growing list of everyday products—including water and food—where microplastics are showing up, raising questions about long-term exposure that need more research.
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Researchers conducted extensive quantification of microplastic contamination in commercial over-the-counter lubricant eyedrops, finding MPs in multiple product brands at concentrations suggesting direct ocular exposure with each application. The study identified a previously unrecognized route of microplastic exposure with potential implications for eye health.
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Researchers tested commonly used eye drop products sold in Spain and found microplastics present in every sample examined, including both hyaluronic acid-based and non-hyaluronic acid formulations. The particles were primarily polyethylene and polypropylene fragments in the 11 to 30 micrometer size range. The findings raise concerns about an overlooked route of human microplastic exposure through ophthalmic products applied directly to the eyes.
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