They Found Microplastics in Commercial Eye Drops

The eye drops you use to soothe dry eyes contain microplastic particles. You're putting plastic directly onto your eyeballs.

What the Study Found

A 2026 study detected and characterized microplastic contamination in commercial eye drop products. The particles were identified in products sold to consumers. Every drop you put in your eye delivers microplastics to one of the most sensitive and absorptive tissues in your body.

Eyes absorb chemicals rapidly. Microplastics in eye drops bypass every natural barrier your body has. They sit on the cornea, interact with tear fluid, and can cause inflammation.

What You Can Do

Choose preservative-free eye drops in single-use vials (less packaging exposure). Look for brands that test for microplastic contamination. Use eye drops only when needed rather than habitually.

Browse our non-toxic home essentials for cleaner personal care products.

Also see non-toxic kitchen essentials for safer alternatives.

Source: Microplastics in Eye Drops Study (2026).