Thera tears vs Visine – Which brings down tears?

Drowning in the eye-drop brands flood? This Thera tears vs Visine comparison could just stop the flood gates for you!

I had a cataract surgery 2 years back, and all has been well with my eyes, until recently. My eyes just can’t stop tearing. Sometimes they itch, sting and even become red. My doctor thinks dust from a new construction site near my home, may be the trigger. He has advised me to use eye drops. However, there are just too many in the market. How do I settle on one? If you are also lost in this eye-drops flood, come let’s see if a Thera tears vs Visine comparison can be a life-boat!

What are the differences between Thera tears and Visine? How do they compare?

Comparison Chart of Thera tears and Visine

Thera tears vs Visine – How do they compare?

Preservative

Thera tears has a unique preservative that disintegrates to oxygen and water upon coming into contact with the tear film (vanishing preservative). This minimizes chances of sensitivity or allergic reactions that preservatives cause.

Visine eye drops are preserved. In spite of the negativity surrounding them, preservatives do have advantages: They prevent the spread of pathogens, both on the bottle and within the solution, giving the solution a long safe-storage time. Besides, eye drops with preservatives are cheaper, and stronger than those without.

Ingredients

Sodium Carboxy methylcellulose , a lubricant, is the active in Thera tears. It works by creating conditions which replicate the natural makeup of the tear while keeping the eye surface moist. Visine has 3 active ingredients, all of which are lubricants and are found in the natural tear: Glycerin, Hypromellose, and Polyethylene glycol. In fact, Visine boasts of having 10 components found in the natural tear.

Thera tears’ inactive ingredients largely constitute the vanishing preservative and the hypotonic solution important in lowering the concentration/saltiness of the tears in the eye (osmolarity). The preservative, benzalkonium chloride (BAK), in Visine, has kicked quite a storm in the eye drops debate. BAK is an ammonium compound that has been used for a long time in various eye drop compositions. Studies indicate that BAK disrupts the lipid layer of the team film, which makes the aqueous layer evaporate, exposing the cornea to BAK’s toxicity. This harmful side effect depends on BAK’s concentration in the solution, the daily amount used and the treatment period.

How Thera tears and Visine – A Quick Round-up

Thera tears

Thera tears prides itself in bringing immediate and long-lasting dry-eyes relief. Its 2 sizes offer variety to the consumer. Though convenient, the multi-use bottle should be properly handled to avoid contamination – from the tip touching any surface.

Thera tears’ vanishing preservative makes it relatively safe since it changes into harmless components (oxygen and water) on making contact with the eye. In addition, its hypotonic solution (having a lower osmotic pressure) balances the concentration or saltiness of the tears (osmolarity). This is important because hyperosmolarity (high salt concentration) while a common feature in most forms of the dry eye syndrome, damages the eye if not checked.

Pros

• Variety of bottle sizes to choose from
• Hypotonic solution
• Vanishing preservative safe and cheaper than having no preservative

Cons

• Multi-use bottle can be easily contaminated.
• A vanishing preservative is not as a guaranteed no-preservative

Visine

Visine’s eye drops that work like real tears, soothe and moisturize dry eyes while protecting them from further irritation.

Following numerous severe eye infections from using multi-dose bottle eye drops, use of preservatives in eye drops was imposed, in 1960. Preservatives glory in preventing the spread of pathogens, both on the bottle and within the solution. This gives the solution a long safe-storage period and makes the eye drops cheaper.

BAK remains a highly effective bactericide and fungicide. BAK toxicity depends on its concentration on its concentration in the eye drop, the daily amount taken by the consumer and the length of the treatment. People needing less than 4 drops a day, and who are not allergic to it, could capitalize on the benefits offered by this brand.

Pros

• Variety of sizes to choose from
• Longer safe storage period
• Drops with preservatives are less costly

Cons

• BAK’s side effects have been known to harm the eye
• Cannot be used by people with severe dry eyes, or those sensitive to BAK
• Does not address osmolarity

Conclusion

The non-compromised natural tear is so amazing in its ‘service delivery’ that both brands mimic it! Visine has a whooping 10 components found in the natural eye! It is cheaper too. The fact that its preservative can be harmful to the eye is a point of concern. People with minor symptoms requiring less than 4 drops a day, could risk using Visine, if they are not allergic to BAK. Thera tears seems safer, addresses osmolarity, but is probably more costly. So, would you say this Thera tears vs Visine discussion a life-boat to navigate the flood?

FAQ

What is Visine eye drops used for?

Temporary relief of red eyes, puffiness, itching and other dry eye symptoms.

How do Visine eye drops work?

Visine contains vasoconstrictors which shrink the blood vessels in the eyes, making them less noticeable. It also has lubricants that sooth and moisturize the eye, to relief dry eye symptoms.

Is Visine good for the eyes?

Visine brings temporary relief for dry eyes. Because of benzalkonium chloride as a preservative, it is recommended that people with severe dry eye syndrome and those sensitive to it, not use it.

Can Visine damage eyes?

The preservative benzalkonium chloride has been known to damage eyes and cause allergic reactions in some peope. If you require more than 4 drops a day to get relief, then avoid Visine.

Does Visine expire?

Yes, an expiry date is printed on each product.

Marie Stevenson

Having been a victim of counterfeit products Marie Stevenson decided to comb various markets both online and physical to find the best original beauty products for women. The influx of counterfeits is palpitation inducing especially when you consider the aftermath. The consequences of using fake makeup or tanning lotions can be quite expensive and life-threatening and the reason why Marie decided to provide you with insightful information that will actually enhance your health. Apart from saving the world from the influx of fake beauty products Marie is a dedicated environmentalist, loves to travel and read. Her famous line is that if you believe it and have the passion to do something right then don’t let someone else discourage since they don’t understand where you are coming from.