A common chemical found in some over-the-counter eye drops might affect the liver, according to a new study by researchers at Örebro University in Sweden.
The study, published in the journal Environment International, looked at a chemical called perfluorohexyloctane. This substance has a structure similar to PFAS, a group of man-made chemicals known to stay in the body for a long time and possibly cause health problems.
The lead researcher, Professor Tuulia Hyötyläinen, explained that the study started after a journalist asked questions about the safety of eye drops. While perfluorohexyloctane has been thought to be inactive in the body, the study suggests otherwise. It may in fact interact with the body in ways that were not expected.
Even though eye drops are put directly into the eyes, some of their ingredients can enter the bloodstream. This is more likely if the drops are used often. In earlier studies, chemicals like this one have been found to build up in the liver over time. That’s why the team decided to study the chemical’s effect on human liver cells in a lab.
Dr. Andi Alijagic, a researcher in biology at the university, led the lab tests. Instead of giving high doses over a short time, they exposed liver cells to small amounts of the chemical over a longer period. This better represents what might happen in real life if someone uses the drops regularly.
The results showed clear changes in how the liver cells functioned. Their overall metabolism, or the way they process substances, was affected. The study also found that perfluorohexyloctane may change into a PFAS-like substance inside the liver cells. This means it doesn’t stay exactly the same once inside the body.
Professor Matej Orešič, who studies systems medicine, said the changes seen in the liver cells are a reason to look more closely at what long-term exposure to this chemical might mean for people. He also pointed out that this chemical is used in more than just eye care—it is also found in other medical and hygiene products.
The researchers stressed that their findings do not mean eye drops are definitely harmful. More research is needed in animals and humans to understand the long-term effects. Still, the results show that these chemicals deserve more attention from scientists, health experts, and government agencies.
Professor Hyötyläinen noted that regulators and manufacturers need to take this kind of information seriously when deciding which chemicals are safe to use. Interestingly, similar chemicals have been banned in ski wax due to health concerns, but they are still allowed in eye drops.
This study is a reminder that even products we think of as safe, like eye drops, can have hidden effects on the body. It also shows how important it is to keep studying the long-term impacts of everyday chemicals.
If you care about liver health, please read studies that refined fiber is link to liver cancer, and the best and worst foods for liver health.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how to boost your liver naturally, and simple ways to detox your liver.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
