Lumify Eye Drops: Are they safe?

LUMIFY®, a product from  Bausch + Lomb, is used to relieve redness in the eye and contains brimonidine tartrate (0.025%) as an active ingredient and other inactive ingredients. It is safe and well-tolerated. However, it is necessary to be strict with the prescribed dose of not more than four drops in 24 hours.

Some people experience side effects and reactions causing signs like redness, irritation, pain and vision changes, and the drops must be stopped. This article explains the safe use of LUMIFY® drops and the side effects to look for.

What are  LUMIFY® drops? 

LUMIFY contains a lower dose of brimonidine tartrate and is approved to treat eye irritation and redness in adults and children above 5. These drops treat eye irritation due to several causes, e.g., irritants, infections, dry eyes, improper use of contact lenses and allergic reactions. 

Some people have ocular hypertension (high blood pressure in the eyes) and glaucoma, and products containing higher doses of brimonidine tartrate are used to treat these conditions.

How do these drops work? 

The active ingredient brimonidine tartrate is an alpha-adrenergic agonist that reduces eye redness by causing the constriction of blood vessels in the eye and reducing the pressure within the eyeball. In contrast to other products, it does not lower the supply of oxygen and blood to the eyes. It is more specific in action than other redness relievers, and ophthalmologists like Dr. Melissa Toyos noted that Lumify is associated with fewer rebound effects than other drops, e.g., tetrahydrozoline drops. 

In contrast to other medications targeting the arteries, the Lumify drops influence the veins carrying deoxygenated blood away from the eyes. Thus, the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the eyes is unaffected. 

What are the potential side effects and risks of Lumify drops? 

These drops are generally safe and well tolerated. Only a tiny amount is absorbed into circulation, and the risk of systemic effects is minimal. 

Rare side effects: The rarely reported side effects are excessive tearing, pain, itching and foreign body feeling in the eyes. 

Allergic reactions: People with glaucoma have a high risk of allergic reactions to brimonidine, causing signs like redness, irritation, eye pain and vision changes that last for days.

Masking of other eye diseases: Some health professionals like Louis Cantor (Indiana University, Indianapolis, USA) have reported that excessive use sometimes masks the other health conditions responsible for eye irritation and redness like fatigue.

The patient must consult the healthcare provider if the redness lasts more than two days without any improvement or if it is accompanied by vomiting, nausea and headache

Safe use tips

The tips for the safe use of Lumify drops are as follows;

• Adults and children above five must not take more than one drop every 6 hours or more than 4 drops in 24 hours.
• The use in younger children is prohibited unless asked by the doctor.
• Hand washing before using drops is necessary to prevent the entry of even more allergens and germs. 
• Check the dispenser to see if it is cracked, unclean or chapped. 
• There should be no contact lenses in the eyes; if so, they must be removed. The contact lenses must be worn at least 10 minutes after applying the drops.
• The index finger must be used to lower the lower eyelid while the head is tilted back. Now, use the other hand to dispense one drop while keeping the dispenser as close to the eye as possible without touching the eye.
• Close the eyes for 3-5 minutes while the head is tilted, and gently press the tear duct with one finger. 
• The excess liquid must be removed with the disposable and clean tissue. 
• Wash the hands with soap and water again and wait at least ten minutes before wearing the contact lenses.

If the eye redness and irritation are due to allergic reactions, allergic eye drops are recommended. 

People Also Ask 

Is Lumify® safe for the eyes? 

Yes, Lumify drops are safe and well-tolerated. A randomised clinical trial by Eugene McLaurin, MD and colleagues noted that 0.025% brimonidine ophthalmic solution is highly effective and safe and, compared to the other drugs, has less risk of rebound effects. 

Has Lumify had good results for glaucoma? 

Lumify is not recommended for the treatment of glaucoma. The medications used to treat glaucoma have higher doses of brimonidine than present in Lumify drops. 

Is using eye whitening drops safe? 

Drug manufacturers, opticians, and ophthalmologists warn against the long-term use of eye whitening drops as they are associated with red eyes and rebound effects. According to Theresa G Leung, MD (Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA), the long-term use of eye whitening drops is a risk factor for necrotising scleritis. 

Who must not use the Lumify? 

It is safe for all people except children under 5 years and those with allergies to brimonidine. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers must use it only after consultation with the doctor. 

If someone is allergic to Lumify drops and is searching for safe alternatives, Welzo has Optrex Bloodshot Eye drops to treat eye redness due to irritants. 

Does Lumify cause blurred vision? 

Blurred vision is rare. However, it is among the various side effects of using Lumify, particularly in the long term. 

Can Lumify be used on the face? 

No, it is an ophthalmic preparation, and topical use is prohibited.

Bottom line

LUMIFY® drops are safe and well tolerated. Some people experience side effects like tearing, pain, itching and a foreign body feeling in the eyes. It is necessary to leave the medication in case of persistent signs, consult the healthcare provider, and stick to the safe use guidelines.

Welzo offers various ophthalmic preparations to treat eye problems. If you seek professional guidance for eye issues, consult the Welzo Ophthalmologists.