Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 24, 2026
08:27
Sampling and Identification of Microplastics in Groundwater
Published on: November 7, 2025
1.6K
Microplastic contamination in commercial eyedrop products: detection and characterization study
Bhuma Paranjothy1,2, Eugenie Sin Sing Tan1, Chung Keat Tan1
1School of Healthy Aging, Aesthetic and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UCSI University, UCSI Heights, 1, Jln UCSI, Taman Connaught, 56000, Wilayah Persekutuan, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research International
|March 22, 2026
Summary
Microplastics (MPs) contaminate 81% of Malaysian eyedrops, primarily polystyrene. Lubricant eyedrops show extreme contamination, posing a significant daily exposure risk, especially for glaucoma patients.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) are an emerging environmental concern.
- Ocular formulations like eyedrops are potential, yet understudied, sources of MP exposure.
- Understanding MP contamination in eyedrops is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of microplastics in commercial eyedrop products available in Malaysia.
- To assess the potential human exposure to MPs through eyedrop usage.
Main Methods:
- A dual-method approach combining water dilution and Fenton digestion was used.
- Micro-Fourier Transform Infrared (micro-FTIR) spectroscopy was employed for MP identification and characterization.
- 21 commercial eyedrop products from Malaysia were analyzed.
Main Results:
- 81% of analyzed eyedrop samples were found to contain microplastics.
- Polystyrene (52%), polyamide (19%), and polyethylene (14%) were the predominant MP types.
- Lubricant eyedrops exhibited the highest contamination levels (MPCF=15), with a potential daily exposure of millions of particles for users.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence of microplastic contamination in eyedrops in Malaysia, identifying a novel exposure pathway.
- The high contamination levels in certain eyedrops necessitate improved manufacturing standards and regulatory scrutiny.
- Further research is required to elucidate the potential health implications of MP exposure via ocular products.
