We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
The fate of flushed contact lenses
AI summary Read the abstract
This news piece summarizes research finding that many of the estimated 45 million contact lens wearers in the United States flush worn lenses down drains, where they degrade into microplastic pollutants. The study from Arizona State University traces contact lens materials through wastewater treatment and into environmental systems.
As many as 45 million people in the US wear contact lenses, but what happens to those disposable silicone hydrogel hemispheres once their daily, biweekly, or monthly wear life is over? A new study suggests that many contact lenses get flushed down the drain and become microplastic pollutants ( 2020, DOI: ). Arizona State University’s Rolf U. Halden, Charles Rolsky, and Varun P. Kelkar simulated what would happen to contact lenses in a wastewater treatment facility. They determined that lenses don’t break down chemically but instead break into smaller fragments. The ASU team then examined sewage sludge and indeed found such lens fragments. To get a sense of how often contact lenses are flushed away, the team surveyed contact lens users on their disposal habits. They found that roughly 20% of users put their lenses down the drain. This practice, the researchers estimate, could result in 44,000 kg of lens
More Papers Like This
Nationwide Mass Inventory and Degradation Assessment of Plastic Contact Lenses in US Wastewater
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted a nationwide mass inventory of disposable contact lenses in US wastewater, finding that 21% of lens users flush used lenses down the drain, contributing an estimated 44,000 kg per year of lens dry mass to US wastewater systems. Biological treatment partially degraded the lenses but failed to fully prevent lens fragments from entering aquatic environments, identifying contact lenses as a previously underappreciated microplastic pollution source.
Disposal of spectacles and contact lenses: Optometrist and lens wearer perspectives
AI summary Read the abstract
A survey of optometrists and lens wearers in multiple countries found inconsistent disposal practices for spectacles and contact lenses, with most contact lenses flushed down drains or discarded in general waste, contributing to plastic microfiber pollution in wastewater systems.
Physical and Chemical Characterisation of Ophthalmic Lenses Grinding Wastewater: Uncovering Environmental Implications
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers characterized wastewater generated by ophthalmic lens grinding machines and found it contains a complex mixture of micro- and nanoplastics along with other pollutants. The study found that lens grinding consumes approximately 20 liters of water per pair of eyeglasses, which is discharged into wastewater systems, identifying this as a previously overlooked source of plastic pollution.
Contact lens microplastics: rapid Py-TOFMS quantification and ocular health risk assessment.
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a fast lab method to measure tiny plastic particles released from contact lenses under conditions like soaking, heating, and UV light exposure. All tested lenses released microplastics, with UV light causing the most release, raising questions about potential risks to eye health.
Complementary Analysis for Undetectable Microplastics from Contact Lenses to Aquatic Environments via Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers demonstrated that contact lenses discharged into aquatic environments generate microplastics and nanoplastics, using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy to detect and quantify these previously undetectable particles from a common consumer product.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.