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.
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].
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 permanently dilated. 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.
↑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.