Lumify Vs. Visine: What Is The Difference Between The Eye Drops?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses the difference between Visine and Lumify.
I saw a new product for eye redness called Lumify and it looks similar to Visine. Are they any different and is the extra cost for Lumify worth it?
Oct 27, 2022- Lumify and Visine are both over-the-counter eye drops that reduce redness by narrowing blood vessels in the eye, but Lumify contains a newer active ingredient that may have fewer side effects like rebound redness. Lumify lasts longer per dose (6 to 8 hours) compared to Visine (4 to 6 hours), though Lumify costs significantly more at $19 to $26 versus $3 to $4 for Visine. Lumify requires only one drop per application while Visine typically requires one to two drops, which may affect the overall cost difference between the two products.
Answer
Lumify (brimonidine) and Visine (tetrahydrozoline) eye drops are both available over the counter to relieve red eyes. While Visine has been on the market for years, Lumify was just recently approved by the FDA in December 2017.
While these drugs are similar and work in a similar manner, Lumify has some advantages that I discuss in the sections below.
Difference In Active Ingredients
- The active ingredient in Visine is tetrahydrozoline.
- The active ingredient in Lumify is brimonidine.
Both tetrahydrozoline and brimonidine are classified as α2 adrenergic agonists, although one drug is considerably newer than the other.
Tetrahydrozoline was first introduced in the 1950s while brimonidine was first used medically in the 1990s (Lumify was FDA-approved for over-the-counter use in 2017).
Both drugs work to reduce eye redness mainly by causing vasoconstriction of the blood vessels in the eye. This creates temporary relief from tissue congestion, which is why Visine and Lumify are sometimes classified as 'ocular decongestants'. They may also work by lowering the production of norepinephrine, which decreases blood flow.
Between tetrahydrozoline (Visine) and brimonidine (Lumify), brimonidine is considered a "second generation α2 adrenergic agonist" and is more selective for adrenergic receptors.
The clinical significance of this is not completely understood but, brimonidine (Lumify) is thought to have fewer side effects than tetrahydrozoline, including a lower risk of rebound redness or tolerance, also known as tachyphylaxis, a common problem with eye decongestants.
Dosing Differences
The dosing for Visine and Lumify is similar. Both are labeled to be used up to four times daily.
However, brimonidine (Lumify) is thought to last longer per dose than tetrahydrozoline (Visine). Each dose of Lumify should last between 6 to 8 hours while each dose of Visine should last between 4 and 6 hours.
In addition, Visine is labeled to be dosed as 1 to 2 drops in each eye up to four times daily while Lumify is labeled to be dosed as 1 drop in each eye up to four times daily.
Cost
Lumify is more expensive than Visine and is packaged in a smaller bottle. However, as stated above, you may only need one drop at a time of Lumify vs. two drops of Visine.
- Lumify costs between $19 to $26, depending on location and retailer. It is available in a 7.5 mL bottle.
- Visine costs between $3 to $4, depending on location and retailer. The most common bottle size is 15 mL.
Summary Of Differences Between Lumify And Visine
- Visine contains tetrahydrozoline, a "first-generation" α2 adrenergic agonist.
- Lumify contains brimonidine, a "second-generation" α2 adrenergic agonist.
- Brimonidine (Lumify) is considered more selective for α2 adrenergic receptors.
- Tetrahydrozoline (Visine) lasts between 4 and 6 hours per dose while brimonidine (Lumify) lasts between 6 and 8 hours per dose.
- Brimonidine (Lumify) may have a lower incidence of rebound eye redness and tolerance than tetrahydrozoline (Visine).
- Lumify is more expensive (~$19-26) than Visine (~$3-4) and comes in a smaller bottle.
Final Words
Thanks for your great question! Reach back out anytime!
References & sources
- Vasoconstrictors: Myths and Realities — Review of Ophthalmology
- Brimonidine. A review of its pharmacological properties and clinical potential in the management of open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension — PubMed
- Brimonidine Monograph — PubChem
- Tetrahydrozoline Monograph — PubChem
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- FDA
- The Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. government agency that approves medications for safety and effectiveness before they can be sold to the public.
- α2 adrenergic agonists
- A class of drugs that activate specific receptors in the body to constrict blood vessels and reduce redness.
- Vasoconstriction
- The narrowing of blood vessels, which reduces blood flow to an area.
- Ocular decongestants
- Eye drops that reduce congestion and redness by narrowing blood vessels in the eyes.
- Norepinephrine
- A chemical messenger in the body that increases heart rate and blood flow.
- Tachyphylaxis
- A condition where the body becomes less responsive to a medication over time, requiring higher doses to get the same effect.
- Rebound redness
- A return of eye redness that occurs after stopping use of a decongestant eye drop, sometimes worse than the original redness.
- Selective
- Able to target and affect specific receptors or cells while having minimal effect on others.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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