Microplastics Are Showing Up During Eye Surgery
NonToxCo Research
Science & Safety Team · 4/6/2026
Surgeons performing cataract surgery are finding microplastic particles in the surgical field. The plastic is inside people's eyes.
What the Study Found
A 2026 study in Scientific Reports documented microplastics exposure during cataract surgery and raised concerns about potential clinical effects. Microplastic particles were detected in the surgical environment and in contact with eye tissue.
Cataract surgery is the most common surgery in the world. Millions of procedures are done every year. If microplastics are present in or around the eye during these procedures, that's a massive number of people potentially affected.
How Microplastics Get Into Your Eyes
Microplastics are in the air (from synthetic clothing, plastic packaging, car tires). You blink them in with every breath of dusty air. They're in contact lens solution. They're on your hands when you rub your eyes. Over years, they accumulate in eye tissue.
The study raises the question: are microplastics contributing to cataracts and other eye diseases in the first place?
What You Can Do
Use a HEPA air purifier at home to reduce airborne microplastics. Don't rub your eyes. If you wear contact lenses, handle them with clean hands. Reduce plastic in your environment to reduce the particles floating in your air.
Check out our non-toxic home essentials for cleaner indoor living.
Also see non-toxic kitchen essentials for safer alternatives.