Eye Whitening Drops: Are They Safe? Do they have side effects?

When pollen counts are high and your eyes become irritated and red, it can be tempting to wear your sunglasses all day. However, there are other short-term solutions that many people resort to. Eye whitening drops can be purchased over the counter and help combat red eyes caused by allergies, dryness, digital eye strain, dust and more.

Many people who regularly suffer from red eyes may opt for whitening drops to avoid discomfort or embarrassment. But what do these eye whitening drops actually do and are they safe? We spoke to two ophthalmologists to find out.

How do eye whitening drops work?

Optometrist Dr. Meenal Agarwal says, “Eye whitening drops work by constricting the blood vessels on the surface of the eye, reducing redness and making the eyes appear whiter.” In addition to constricting blood vessels, Agarwal says eye whitening drops “reduce blood flow to the area,” which “reduces redness and makes your eyes appear brighter.”

What exactly are you putting in your eyes? Dr. Ashley Hayden, board-certified eye surgeon and co-founder of Gentle descenttells us, “The active ingredient in most eye whitening drops is tetrahydrozoline, which constricts blood vessels for a few hours. It is similar to Afrin nasal spray.”

Although eye whitening drops can whiten your eyes for a few hours, you should not become dependent on them. According to Dr. Laurie Barber, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, in a News article from 2018 for the organization: “I would prefer that patients not use an eye whitening drop on a regular, long-term basis… A person should have an examination for red eyes before using eye drops on a regular basis.”

If you are using eye whitening drops temporarily, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific product. If you are already using prescription drops, consult your doctor before introducing new over-the-counter eye drops.

Are eye whitening drops safe?

When used as directed, eye whitening drops are safe for most people. “These drops are safe to use occasionally to improve the appearance of a bloodshot eye,” says Hayden. “However, they do not treat any problems and may cause worsening redness as the medication wears off. Regular and repeated use is not recommended.”

It’s worth noting that the safety of eye whitening drops may depend on your personal eye health. To that point, Agarwal warns that some people should avoid eye whitening drops. She says the vasoconstrictors — an agent that causes blood vessel constriction, such as tetrahydrozoline — in eye whitening drops can increase eye pressure and may not be safe for people with glaucoma.

In addition, the doctor says that patients with “chronic dry eyes, allergies or sensitivities to preservatives, high blood pressure and cardiovascular problems are not recommended to use these drops.” She adds that pregnant people should also avoid eye drops.

Do eye whitening drops have side effects?

One of the most common side effects of eye drops is ‘rebound redness’. This phenomenon occurs when your blood vessels dilate even more than normal as the eye drops begin to wear off. Dr. Hayden calls this ‘vasodilation or expansion of blood vessels’. She says this side effect may be longer term than the initial benefits of the drops.

Another side effect of these drops is that they can mask more serious eye problems. For example, if you have an eye infection such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), eye whitening drops may keep you from noticing the severity of the problem. The drops are not medicinal and only treat underlying eye diseases.

Agarwal advises that side effects of eye whitening drops may include “irritation, increased redness, or reactions to preservatives in the drops.” She warns that using the drops too often can mask underlying problems, such as “eye strain, dryness, allergies, infections, or inflammation,” and states, “For these conditions, it is important to consult an ophthalmologist for proper treatment.” ‘

What about blue-tinted eye drops?

Blue-tinted eye drops, also called blue eye drops, are an alternative to regular eye drops. This type of product contains a blue dye. Agarwal explains that the dye “improves the whites of the eyes by counteracting yellow tones, without relying on vasoconstrictors.” In other words, these drops do not interact with your blood vessels.

Blue-colored drops are generally not considered as safe or effective as other eye whitening drops.

Agarwal advises, “I generally don’t recommend them due to possible sensitivities to dyes. Additionally, they do not treat the underlying causes of redness and overuse can lead to irritation and worsen the original problem.”

Besides potentially irritating your eyes, it’s worth noting that blue drops can be too paint the skin around your eyes. If you wear contact lenses, the dye can also ruin your lenses.

When should you see an ophthalmologist?

It is one thing to occasionally use eye drops to combat high pollen counts or dry outdoor conditions. It’s another thing entirely to use them as a long-term solution for red eyes. Both doctors we spoke to urge people to see a doctor if they are using these drops for anything other than an occasional solution.

As for when to call your doctor, Hayden says, “If you have pain, vision changes, light sensitivity, or a watery eye that doesn’t improve, see an ophthalmologist.” She also says that any side effects from eye whitening drops require a visit to a doctor. According to Hayden, “If side effects last more than an hour or you feel faint or dizzy, see an ophthalmologist.”

Agarwal agrees that the best solution for frequent red eyes is a visit to the doctor. She explains, “Chronic redness can be the result of dry eyes, allergies, or eye strain. Redness associated with pain, vision loss, or light sensitivity should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist.”

How to Make Your Eyes Look Brighter and Healthier Naturally

There are a number of ways to make your eyes look brighter without having to use over-the-counter eye whitening products. Agarwal recommends the following tips for naturally bright eyes:

• Stay hydrated: Drink enough water during the day. When your body is hydrated, so are your eyes.
• Get enough sleep: Getting the recommended seven hours of sleep can keep your eyes from becoming dry and red in the morning.
• Reduce eye strain by taking computer breaks: Looking at blue light for too long, even from a computer or mobile device, can cause pain or redness. Take a break every hour.
• Wear sunglasses outdoors: In addition to wearing sunscreen to keep your skin safe, you should also protect your eyes with the right eye protection.
• Practice good eyelid hygiene: Gently cleaning your eyelids with a soft washcloth can help remove irritants from the area and prevent them from getting into your eyes.
• Manage allergies: Talk to your doctor about how to keep seasonal allergies at bay to prevent redness.

The doctor adds, “I always recommend that my patients keep a bottle of preservative-free artificial tears next to their bedside table so they can use morning and evening. This will help keep your eyes moist and reduce dryness or reduce redness that may develop later in the day.”

Hayden also recommends artificial tears. Plus, she says eyelid scrubs and warm compresses can help keep your eyes clear and hydrated.

The bottom line

Eye whitening drops are usually safe as long as you don’t rely on them daily for a long period of time. Long-lasting redness of the eyes is often an indication of an underlying problem that requires medical intervention from a doctor. If you experience redness, pain, or dizziness when using these eye whitening drops, the experts we spoke to say you should stop using them and talk to your doctor. As for blue-tinted drops to whiten your eyes, it’s best to avoid them.