Eye drops may affect liver cells (perfluorohexyloctane)

Medical Xpress / Örebro University / Environment International ^ | Feb. 2, 2026 | Andi Alijagic et al

[ConservativeMind]

A chemical used in some over-the-counter eye drops may affect liver cells and be transformed to a PFAS-like substance. This is according to a new study. "We initiated the study last year to follow up on questions from a journalist about the safety of eye drops," says Tuulia Hyötyläinen.

The Örebro researchers have studied a fluorinated compound, perfluorohexyloctane, which has properties and a structure that resembles PFAS. One difference is that it has previously been assumed to be biologically inactive. Meaning that it should not affect biological processes in the body.

"Our study shows that this assumption may not always hold," says Hyötyläinen.

Although eye drops are applied directly into the eye, small amounts of their ingredients can enter the bloodstream, particularly with repeated use. Previous research on similar substances has shown that they may accumulate in the liver over time.

The researchers have now therefore studied the effects in human liver cells in a laboratory setting. The experiments are designed to reflect low-level but long-term exposure, rather than short-term high-dose exposure. "We wanted to capture changes in cell metabolism that could reflect repeated use," says Andi Alijagic.

The analyses showed global changes in liver cell metabolism. The study also shows that perfluorohexyloctane may be partially transformed inside liver cells into a PFAS-like substance. This suggests that the compound does not remain chemically unchanged in the body.

Beyond eye care products, the study—along with a growing body of evidence—adds to increasing concern that fluorinated chemicals used in medical and hygiene products may affect human health.

"It's worth contemplating that similar substances are banned in ski wax but not in eye drops," says Orešič.

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TOPICS: Health/Medicine
KEYWORDS: eyedrops; liver; perfluorohexyloctane; pfas; skiwax

[ConservativeMind]

Consider eye drops that do not have perfluorohexyloctane, to minimize PFAS chemical concern.

[ConservativeMind]

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AI Overview

Many effective, widely available lubricating eye drops do not contain perfluorohexyloctane, which is primarily found in specialized, water-free, oil-based products like Miebo or EvoTears. Common alternatives for dry eyes include preservative-free (PF) artificial tears from brands such as Systane, Refresh, Blink, and OCuSOFT. These often use ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or carboxymethylcellulose to provide moisture without perfluorohexyloctane.

[Irish Eyes]

Thank you, good to know which eye drops are safer.
:)

[proxy_user]

Just checked Optase, it seems OK.

[Mark]

bkmk

[Organic Panic]

Frequent flushing of the liver with vodka is the cure.

[sauropod]

Bkmk

[Cold Heart]

The chemical exceeds the syllable limit deemed safe for human consumption.

[katykelly]

Bfl

[KittyKares]

I use eye drops every night, so I ran to get the box and read the ingredients. Whew, I am ok; I use Systane. But it’s good to know about this. Thank you.