Visine
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Visine is a brand of eye drops produced by Johnson & Johnson. Johnson & Johnson acquired Visine, along with Pfizer's entire consumer healthcare portfolio, in December 2006.
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[edit] Visine Original
The active ingredients in the original Visine formulation are potassium chloride and tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride which is a vasoconstrictor, and therefore constricts the eye's superficial blood vessels to "get the red out", as claimed in Johnson & Johnson's advertising[1].
[edit] Administration
As with other eye drops, Visine is administered topically with 1 to 2 drops applied to the affected eye(s) up to 4 times daily [2].
[edit] Adverse effects
- Those using Visine Original frequently report stinging and burning upon application.[1]
- Use can cause a rebound effect causing the redness to worsen. Prolonged use can cause blood vessels to be dilated for an extended period of time. Use should be limited.[verification needed]
- A red eye may often be indicative of more serious underlying ocular condition, simply reducing blood flow to the area will not solve the condition and may even exacerbate symptoms
- These drops are also not advised for contact lens wearers as decreased blood flow to the surface of the eye will further lower the levels of oxygen available to the eye.[verification needed]
[edit] Varieties
Currently, Visine is formulated in several varieties:
VISINE A.C. - Astringent/Redness Reliever Eye Drops (Tetrahydrozoline HCl 0.05%, Zinc sulfate 0.25%)
- Special formula for allergens, such as ragweed, dust, or pollen.
VISINE FOR CONTACTS - For Silicone Hydrogel and Hydrophilic lenses
- Used primarily for comfort during the day, moistening upon awakening and before sleep.
VISINE L.R. (Oxymetazoline HCI 0.025%)
- A longer-lasting formula that lasts for up to 6 hours.
VISINE TEARS (Glycerin 0.2%, Hypromellose 0.2%, Polyethylene glycol 400 1% - Used AS NEEDED)
- Contains ingredients found in natural tears instead of chemicals.
VISINE-A (Formerly OCUHIST) (Naphazoline hydrochloride 0.025%, Pheniraminemaleate 0.3%)
- Antihistamine combined with a vasodilator for itchy eyes associated with allergy.
[edit] References
- ^ Skilling FC Jr, Weaver TA, Kato KP, Ford JG, Dussia EM. "Effects of two eye drop products on computer users with subjective ocular discomfort." Optometry. 2005 Jan;76(1):47-54. PMID 15682562.
