Visine Original vs Lumify – For When There are No More Tears!

Do you ever wonder whether all the eye drop brands are truly different from each other, or if it is just the same solution in different names? Let’s see what Visine Original vs Lumify comparison unveils!

I started wearing glasses at a young age, and because I was always reading –never mind that it was comics mostly, I quickly earned the ‘nerd’ label. As soon as I could afford it, I decided to shake off this label through a contact-lens makeover! The doctor advised me to get some eye drops if I developed any dry eye symptoms. Yes, I have developed them. My eyes are itchy and constantly red. However, there are so many eye drop brands out there. Which one is safe? Maybe a Visine Original vs Lumify comparison can help me before I next acquire the label, ‘addict!’

What are the differences between Visine original and Lumify? How do they compare?

Comparison Chart of Visine original and Lumify

Eye drop
Visine original
Lumify
Packaging
Available in 15ml convenient multi-use bottles
Available in a 2.5ml convenient multi-use bottles
Preservative
With preservative
With preservative
Dosage
I or 2 drops in the affected eye as needed but not exceeding 4 times a day. Ask the doctor for children under 6 years.
Adults and children five years and above, 1 drop in the affected eye 6-8 hours. (Not exceeding 4 times a day)
Active Ingredient
Tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride 0.05%
Brimonidine tartrate (0.025%)
Inactive ingredient
Benzalkonium chloride -BAK (preservative), boric acid, adedate disodium, purified water
Boric acid, benzalkonium chloride – BAK, calcium chloride dihydrate, glycine, sodium borate dehydrate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide (for adjusting pH)
Use
Offers fast redness relief from minor eye irritations.
For relief of redness of the eye from minor eye irritations.

Visine original vs Lumify – How do they compare?

Main ingredients

The Tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride in Visine original Original is a decongestant that relieves redness in the eye, from minor irritations like those due to smoke, swimming or dust. It works by temporarily constricting the blood vessels in the eye (vasoconstriction). On the other hand, the Brimonidine tartrate in Lumify selectively constricts veins in the eyes while increasing oxygen in the surrounding tissue. It also decreases intraocular pressure (pressure in the eye), without affecting the heart or respiratory functions.

Non- active ingredients

The preservative benzalkonium chloride (BAK), in both brands is quite controversial in eye drops circles. BAK is a long time component of various eye drops. Recent studies however 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 however depends on BAK’s concentration in the solution, the daily amount used and the treatment period.

Lumify also has a host of other inactive ingredients designed to lubricate the while maintaining an optimum pH.

How Visine original and Lumify Compare– A Quick Round-up

Visine original

Visine Original Redness Relief Eye Drops for Red Eyes & Eye Irritation, 0.5 fl. ozVisine original’s eye drops gets the red out of eyes in 60 seconds. It’s mode of operation – vasoconstriction provides temporary relief from tissue congestion (decongestants).

Opponents of vasoconstriction discourage use of these eye drops over a long period of time. They claim that by clamping down on blood vessels in the eye: natural repair against the irritant is closed off; and as the vasoconstrictor wears off, the blood vessels dilate more than before, leading to more redness (rebound redness).

Another downside of the eye drop is the preservative BAK even though BAK toxicity is said to depend on its concentration on its concentration in the eye drop, the daily amount taken by the consumer and the length of the treatment. Since consumers are discouraged from using it more than 4 times in a day, they are within the safe limit of BAK use.

Pros

  • Variety of sizes to choose from
  • Fast clearing of red eyes
  • Drops with preservatives are less costly

Cons

  • BAK’s side effects have been known to harm the eye
  • Vasoconstriction may be harmful in the long run
  • Does not address osmolarity

 

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Lumify

Lumify Redness Reliever Eye Drops 0.08 Ounce (2.5mL)

Brimonidine tartrate is also used in medications for treating glaucoma. Its ability to lower intraocular pressure is beneficial because high intraocular pressure increases the risk of optic nerve damage and loss of vision. Brimonidine tartrate in high concentration causes significant miosis especially in dim light conditions. Miosis is the excessive constriction of the pupil.

Pros

  • Works in 1 minute but lasts up to 8 hours.
  • Selectively constricts blood vessels
  • Reduces intraocular pressure
  • Regulates eye pH (osmotic pressure)

Cons

  • BAK’s side effects have been known to harm the eye
  • Brimonidine tartrate can cause miosis

 

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Conclusion

I hope the Visine Original vs Lumify discussion has been as beneficial to you as it was to me. Both brands work by vasoconstriction of the blood vessels, which has disadvantages if used for long. Lumify however selectively vasoconstricts the vessels. It also reduces intraocular pressure. The use of BAK in both brands is however unsettling. Which decision would you make if you were in my shoes?

FAQs

Are Lumify eye drops safe?

Lumify eye drops are FDA approved to bring whiter, brighter eyes without the risk of rebound redness.

Can you use Lumify eye drops everyday?

Lumify recommends that the drops be used up to four times a day. It’s good to find the underlying cause of your red eyes, though, if you need to clear your eyes this often.

What are the side effects of Lumify eye drops?

Burning, dry or itching eyes; blurred or loss of vision; night blindness; discharge or excessive tearing; disturbed color perception; halos around light; double vision among others.

How often can you use Lumify eye drops?

For adults and children above 5 years – 1 drop in the affected eye, every 6-8 hours, but not exceeding more than 4 times in a day.

What is in Lumify eye drops?

Low-dose brimonidine tartrate as an active ingredient.

 

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.