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Background: Microplastics have emerged as pervasive environmental contaminants, but their presence in ophthalmic preparations has received limited attention. Commercial eye drops, widely used for both therapeutic and cosmetic purposes, may constitute a direct ocular exposure pathway.

Methods: We conducted a comprehensive review of the current literature assessing microplastic contamination in commercially available eye drops. Data from studies published between 2024 and 2026 were analyzed, focusing on detection methods, polymer types, particle sizes, and contamination levels. Analytical techniques reported included laser direct infrared spectroscopy, pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and scanning electron microscopy.

Results: Across multiple studies, microplastics were consistently detected in commercial eye drops, though concentrations varied considerably. Reported contamination ranged from 0.5 to >18,000 particles per sample, with particle sizes predominantly below 100 µm. Frequently identified polymers included polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and acrylics (ACR), with PVC occasionally representing the majority of particles. Variability in findings was largely attributed to differences in analytical sensitivity and particle size thresholds. Despite methodological heterogeneity, evidence indicates that eye drops constitute a non-negligible source of ocular microplastic exposure, particularly in chronic users.

Conclusions: The consistent detection of microplastics in commercial eye drops highlights a potential public health concern and underscores the urgent need for regulatory standards addressing microplastic contamination in ophthalmic formulations. Further studies are warranted to quantify exposure risks, elucidate potential ocular toxicity, and establish standardized detection protocols.