The survey below is addressed to the Eye Care Professionals in the EU, Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom.
Background
In January, 5 countries submitted to the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) a REACH restriction proposal, in view to support a total ban of PFAS in the European Union. PFAS are a group of chemicals which are persistent in the environment, motivating the request for a ban.
Rigid contact lens polymers contain PFAS substances, and so would be subject to a PFAS ban. These substances provide ‘non-stick’ qualities, but also make an essential contribution to oxygen permeability, biocompatibility, comfort, wettability, rigidity, lathability, durability, scratch resistance and shape stability. Their introduction into the polymer matrix results in a safer and more efficacious lens wearing experience. In the event of a ban, the performance properties of available RGP lenses would be greatly reduced, to the detriment of the patient.
The 5 countries asked for more information to allow quantification of the impacts of a transition away from PFAS in terms of quality-of-life reductions for RGP users.
EUROMCONTACT action
EUROMCONTACT is developing a dossier to request a derogation for RGP contact lenses from a total ban on PFAS. The argument of EUROMCONTACT is that a ban on PFAS used in polymer for RGP contact lenses is disproportionate and would be detrimental to the 3 million RGP contact lens wearers.
How can you support?
EUROMCONTACT needs the support of Eye Care Professionals to develop the social & economic input to be provided to ECHA.
This input will help our case for a derogation from a total ban on PFAS for RGP Contact lenses.
Please take the time to fill in the survey and provide as accurate information as possible.