I Asked an Eye Doc Why Everyone Is Talking About These Eye-Clearing Drops

I’ve been whitening my teeth religiously ever since a high school friend unwrapped a foil packet of Crest 3D White Strips at a sleepover and changed my life forever. Little did I know that, one day, the whitening trend would extend beyond the 32 chompers, and to the eyes. That day is today, my friends. People are Instagram-ing, TikTok-ing, and Reddit-ing about Lumify Eye Drops: a solution designed to reduce eye redness so your irises stand out. So I asked an eye doc if Lumify was truly worth the hype (and what you need to know before you start using the product).

According to Molly King, OD, FFAO, Lumify Eye Drops are a diluted form of the solution that’s ordinarily prescribed for glaucoma, a condition that damages the eye’s optic nerve, which is vital for your sense of sight. “Lumify eye drops act on the alpha2 receptors in the blood vessels, causing vasoconstriction of the blood vessel, reducing redness,” says Dr. King. She adds that Lumify’s whitening properties make it a great product to brighten up your eyes for capital “e” Events, like before you take photographs or attend a wedding.

“Lumify eye drops act on the alpha2 receptors in the blood vessels, causing vasoconstriction of the blood vessel, reducing redness.” —Molly King, OD, FFAO

But beyond using Lumify for special occasions, it’s also a reliable everyday staple for anyone who suffers from red eyes—an issue that many of Dr. King’s patients experience, she says. “A fair amount of patients ask about reducing redness in their eyes, specifically if they have dry eyes or allergies,” she says. Just make sure you take no more than one drop every eight hours, she adds.

Shop Lumify Eye Drops

Lumify Eye Drops — $20.00

It’s also important to note that red eyes can be an indicator of a greater issue. So if you’re noticing that you want to take Lumify on a semi-frequent basis, it’s probably time to book an appointment with your optometrist. “Lumify helps with the sign of eye disease but does not treat the underlying eye disease. It is important to understand and treat the etiology of why the patient’s eyes are red and use Lumify as needed for cosmetic concerns,” says Dr. King. Of course, you should also stop using the product if redness or irritation occurs. (I know this is a big “duh,” but it’s worth noting.)

With all that said, Lumify eye drops are worth the hype—but only time will tell if they’re buzzy enough to become the stuff of sleepover legend.

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