Are Eye-Whitening Drops Safe? (2024)

If your eyes are often red, you might wonder if whitening drops can help. They’re available over-the-counter and easy to get, but are they safe?

What’s in Eye-Whitening Drops?

For years, the leading eye-whitening product was tetrahydrozoline, which you know by its over-the-counter name, Visine. It works by opening arteries in your eyes.

In 2017, the FDA OKd a low-dose version of brimonidine tartrate, which was first prescribed to treat glaucoma. The lower dose, over-the-counter version is called Lumify.

The drug tightens blood vessels in your eyes and limits the amount of blood and oxygen that can get to them. This makes your eyes clearer for a while.

How Do You Use Eye-Whitening Drops?

Talk to your eye doctor first to make sure it’s OK. Check the package for the drops you’re using, but in general:

  • Wash your hands well
  • Pull down your lower eyelid
  • Put 1 drop in each eye
  • Don’t use more than 4 times a day (every 6-8 hours)

Are Eye-Whitening Drops Safe?

Eye-whitening drops are generally considered safe. Doctors say using them too much might hide a condition that needs treatment, like pinkeye or a corneal ulcer. Yellow in the whites of your eyes could be a sign of liver disease.

Everyday use could also cause a “rebound effect.” Your eyes may be even redder after the drug wears off. This is especially common in tetrahydrozoline drops. Benzalkonium chloride, the preservative, might irritate your eyes.

Do Eye-Whitening Drops Have Side Effects?

Some people have side effects while others don’t. More common side effects can include:

  • A burning feeling in your eyes
  • Blurry vision
  • Dry or itchy eyes
  • Discharge or excessive tearing
  • Eyelid swelling
  • Halos around lights
  • Headaches
  • Lights appearing brighter than usual
  • Night blindness
  • Redness on the eye or the inner lining of the eyelid
  • Seeing colors differently
  • Seeing double
  • Tunnel vision

What Should I Do if Eye-Whitening Drops Cause Problems?

Some side effects, like burning or stinging, may go away once your eyes get used to the medicine. If they don’t, stop using the drops and talk to your doctor about next steps.

Are Eye-Whitening Drops Safe? (2024)

FAQs

Are Eye-Whitening Drops Safe? ›

Are Eye-Whitening Drops Safe? Eye-whitening drops are generally considered safe. Doctors say using them too much might hide a condition that needs treatment, like pinkeye or a corneal ulcer. Yellow in the whites of your eyes could be a sign of liver disease.

Can Lumify be bad for your eyes? ›

Is Lumify (brimonidine) safe? Lumify (brimonidine) shouldn't cause many side effects if you use it as directed. In clinical trials, few people reported mild to moderate eye irritation, such as dry eyes and tearing.

How can I whiten my eyes safely? ›

Lifestyle modifications like consuming a diet rich in antioxidants, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, avoiding eye strain, and protecting eyes from irritants and UV light are key factors in keeping the sclera white.

What eye drops make eyes whiter? ›

Lumify eye drops promise brighter, whiter eyes without the risk of rebound redness. Christine L. Larsen, MD, is an ophthalmologist practicing at Minnesota Eye Consultants where she serves as medical director for the four ancillary surgery centers in the practice.

How long do whitening eye drops last? ›

The drug (usually called briminodine) is applied in as an eye drop onto the surface of the eye and causes the blood vessels on the whites of the eyes to shrink – giving the appearance of whiter eyes. This is only a temporary measure and most whitening drops last for around 8 hours.

Do eye doctors recommend Lumify? ›

Before LUMIFY, doctors didn't really recommend redness relieving eye drops because of their known side effects. But LUMIFY is different. Now, eye doctors have a product they can recommend to patients. Doctors like LUMIFY because of the reduced risk of rebound redness and because it uses no bleach or dyes.

Did Lumify get recalled? ›

The recall notice applies to the following brands of eye drops sold at Family Dollar stores between May 1, 2022 and June 10, 2022: Clear Eye Max Redness Relief. Family Care Eye Drops Advanced. Lumify Redness Red Eye Drops.

How do celebrities get their eyes so white? ›

If you've ever caught awards show or red carpet coverage, you may have wondered how celebs always always glowing with glimmering white eyes to match their pearly white teeth. Well, now we have the answer! The stars' beauty secret is Lumify Redness Reliever Eye Drops.

What whitens eyes naturally? ›

Your eyes will stay white thanks to the fruits and vegetables high in vitamins and antioxidants. Eating nuts like almonds, walnuts, and peanuts, along with other green, leafy foods like spinach, may improve eye health. Your liver will be detoxified by the fruits and veggies, keeping your eyes healthy and clean.

Can you use LUMIFY every day? ›

Can LUMIFY be used daily? Instill one drop in each eye that needs it every 6-8 hours. Don't use more than 4 times a day. As with other OTC redness relievers, you should stop use and ask a doctor if you experience eye pain, changes in vision, redness or irritation that worsens or lasts more than 72 hours (3 days).

Is it OK to use eye whitening drops? ›

Are Eye-Whitening Drops Safe? Eye-whitening drops are generally considered safe. Doctors say using them too much might hide a condition that needs treatment, like pinkeye or a corneal ulcer. Yellow in the whites of your eyes could be a sign of liver disease.

Is Lumify better than Visine? ›

While Lumify may not work better than other OTC decongestant drops, such as tetrahydrozoline (Visine Original), it seems to have less risk of rebound redness or tolerance. Because it's the new kid on the block, please don't jump to get it or any other red-eye drop without understanding what is causing the red eyes.

Are color changing eye drops FDA approved? ›

Your MSM, color changing, and eye lightening eye drop products are not generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE) for their above-referenced uses and, therefore, these products are “new drugs” under section 201(p) of the FD&C Act, 21 U.S.C. 321(p).

Can Lumify cause eye problems? ›

vision changes; or. severe swelling, redness, burning, or discomfort in or around your eye.

Why does Lumify make your eyes white? ›

Lumify drops restrict the smallest blood vessels in the eye without limiting oxygen flow. These eye drops help you enjoy clear, white eyes with less risk of returning redness when the medication wears off.

Does Lumify work on yellow eyes? ›

LUMIFY Redness Reliever Eye Drops 0.08 Ounce (2.5mL)

A: My eyes seem to be more yellowish than red and this stuff has taken it out and my eyes are as white as ever.... unbelievable. Thank you for your feedback!

What eye drops are being recalled in 2024? ›

[1/31/2024] FDA is warning consumers not to purchase or use South Moon, Rebright or FivFivGo eye drops because of the potential risk of eye infection.

Is brimonidine bad for your eyes? ›

Brimonidine is safe and well tolerated. Its most common side-effects are conjunctival hyperemia, allergic conjunctivitis, and ocular pruritus.

Does Lumify increase eye pressure? ›

The studies of Lumify show that it is too low a concentration to meaningful alter eye pressure, so don't worry about Lumify making your eye pressure go too low (which is nearly impossible anyway in the absence of surgery or trauma to an eye).

Does Lumify make your eyelashes grow? ›

Clinically proven, VISIBLE results

In clinical grading, nearly 80% of subjects showed an improvement in lash volume while 91% showed an improvement in brow thickness.

References

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