Embrace Low-PFAS Contact Lenses For Healthier Eyes!

In March 2023, Environmental Health News and Mamavation embarked on a mission to test soft contact lenses for presence of harmful forever chemicals (also known as PFAS). They uncovered 18 brands with traces of organic fluorine, a telltale sign of PFAS.

Forever chemicals are difficult to break down in any environment and cause serious health conditions, including: testicular and kidney cancers, liver damage, thyroid disease, increased cholesterol. Research proves PFAS can pass through the placenta impacting birth weight and a newborn's response to vaccines.

To my surprise, one of the most contaminated brands was the one I trusted - CooperVision Biofinity Toric. These lenses had been my sidekick for a while, but when I discovered they were housing a whopping 5,000 parts per million of forever chemicals, I knew it was time to Ditch my contacts & make a short-term heroic Switch to glasses until I could find healthier, alternative low PFAS contacts.

The good news: healthier contact lens alternatives exist and for me, at least, work just as well!

I am grateful for the researchers who shed light on harmful chemicals and alternatives!

In an article from The Guardian, Scott Belcher, researcher from North Carolina State University and scientific advisor to the lab that conducted the tests, emphasized that the best defense for us mere mortals is to don glasses instead of contact lenses. He urged all heroes to seek guidance from their eye specialists if they have concerns or want to try brands of lowest PFAS-level contacts.

Though all lenses in the study tested positive for some level of forever chemicals/PFAS, there are low PFAS alternatives available (find the list in my Ditch & Switch graphic shown below). "While there are pros and cons to the alternatives, your best bet is to chat with your eye professional," Belcher suggested.

Reportedly, silicone hydrogel contact lenses could be the ultimate antidote to PFAS-laden lenses, but alas, they currently lack options for my astigmatism. If you don't have astigmatism, you might want to ask your eyecare professional about Eiyan lenses (link below in the More Resources section). I'll be on high alert for any breakthroughs in this arena so I can test them out for comfort and effectiveness and bid farewell to the vision-stealing PFAS for good. Stay tuned for more heroic updates.

Forever chemicals are a tough nemesis to avoid completely, especially in medical gear, and I am not quite ready to say goodbye to contact lenses. There are times when I like to move around without the hassle of glasses (i.e. exercising, sunny days, rainy days---LOL). But, since I'm on a quest to reduce toxins and strive for a health span of 110, I knew I had to seek out a less-toxic contact lens option.

Reportedly, organic fluorine/PFAS creates a superpower in contact lenses, making them soft and allowing oxygen to flow freely - qualities any lens-wearing superhero craves! However, it turns out the healthier alternative contact lenses I've been "test driving" feel just as comfortable and breathable, with 4,100 parts per million fewer harmful chemicals than my original brand. Now there's an example of how staying informed on harmful chemicals and seeking out healthier alternatives works!