Is eye whitening fluid harmful?

Question

A friend of mine just bought some eye drops and was alarmed to see that there was some sort of acid on the ingridients list, though I don't see why it should be particularly harmful. Apparantly it's for whitening the eye, which sounds far more dodgy to me. What dangers are there involved with this stuff?

Answer 1

I don't know for certain.

However the acid may be a mild acid used to kill bacteria. Not all acids burn. You should check the ingredients on the internet.

Whitening the eye is a cosmetic treatment so tell your friend it is not worth or go to an optician to find out or eye doctor.

Answer 2

Yes, I think if you use it too often in one day then it can be harmful. The bottle recommends the dosage to be used each day.However, I have used the brightening eyedrops in the past and have wondered the same thing as you after reading the ingredients list. It does sound a bit scary.

Answer 3

You mean those 'get the red out' drops?

Absolutely!

First, they're vasoconstrictors. Great to use once a year for family pictures, but they'll produce rebound redness when used on a frequent basis. Not fun.

Second, many (especially visine) contain the single most harmful preservative you can think of - benzalkonium chloride. This is not only highly effective at killing bacteria, it's highly effective at killing your corneas, and disturbing your tear film. This is dangerous, bad stuff. NEVER use an eye drop preserved with BAK/BAC.

Answer 4

I have never heard of whitening of the eye.  I know about the get the red out eye drops.  Is that what you are talking about?  I would first like to know why they are red.  Is it an infection?  Or is it dry eyes?  If so, I hope they would give an antibiotic or natural tears.

I would look further into it.