Visine

Article about Visine, an over-the-counter eye drop

Visine

A bottle of Visine eye drops

Visine is a brand of over-the-counter eye drops produced by Johnson & Johnson. It is commonly used to relieve redness and minor eye irritation. Visine contains the active ingredient tetrahydrozoline, which is a vasoconstrictor.

Uses

Visine is primarily used to alleviate ocular redness caused by minor irritants such as dust, smoke, chlorine, and allergens. It works by constricting the superficial blood vessels in the conjunctiva, thereby reducing redness and swelling.

Mechanism of Action

The active ingredient in Visine, tetrahydrozoline, is an alpha-adrenergic receptor agonist. It acts on the alpha-adrenergic receptors in the blood vessels of the eye, causing them to constrict. This vasoconstriction reduces blood flow to the superficial vessels, leading to decreased redness and swelling.

Side Effects

While Visine is generally safe for short-term use, it can cause side effects such as:

• Dryness of the eyes
• Rebound hyperemia (increased redness after the drops wear off)
• Pupil dilation
• Blurred vision

Prolonged use can lead to tolerance and dependence, where the eyes become reliant on the drops to maintain normal appearance.

Precautions

Visine should not be used for more than 72 hours without consulting a healthcare professional. It is not recommended for individuals with glaucoma, as it can increase intraocular pressure.

Alternatives

Other treatments for eye redness and irritation include:

• Artificial tears
• Cold compresses
• Antihistamine eye drops for allergy-related redness

Related pages

• Eye drop
• Conjunctivitis
• Ophthalmology