Lumify Eye Drops

Last year Bausch & Lomb released Lumify eye drops, marketed to help reduce eye redness and give the appearance of whiter and “brighter” eyes. Lumify is available over-the-counter so they do not require a prescription from your eye doctor. Here in Traverse City, MI I have seen them on the shelves at Rite Aid and Walgreens, a small bottle of Lumify eye drops sells for between $10 and $20.

How Does Lumify Work?

The active ingredient in Lumify is a drug called brimonidine. Brimonidine is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist; this means that it causes constriction of blood vessels. By constricting blood vessels on the surface of the eye in the conjunctiva, it can create the appearance of whiter eyes.

Interestingly, brimonidine has long been used by ophthalmologists and optometrists to lower eye pressure, usually in the treatment of glaucoma. For this indication a much higher concentration of brimonidine is used. Brimonidine is also sometimes given to prevent eye pressure increases following laser eye surgery procedures, such as a YAG capsulotomy to clear a film that can form following cataract surgery.

The studies of Lumify show that it is too low a concentration to meaningful alter eye pressure, so don’t worry about Lumify making your eye pressure go too low (which is nearly impossible anyway in the absence of surgery or trauma to an eye).

Is Lumify safe?

Yes, when used as directed. Given the extensive history we have in using brimonidine to treat glaucoma, eye doctors know that it is generally well-tolerated even at much higher concentrations than are found in Lumify. Of course, some patients will be allergic to any medication and Lumify is no exception. If you notice your eyes getting more red and becoming itchy following the use of Lumify, it is best to stop using the drops until you can be evaluated by an ophthalmologist or optometrist.