Lumify Vs. Visine: What Is The Difference Between The Eye Drops?

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

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