Comprehensive Ophthalmology, Cornea/External Disease

Canadian drugmaker Valeant Pharmaceuticals announced the approval of the first over-the-counter medication containing low-dose brimonidine tartrate (Lumify) for the treatment of eye redness.

While existing eyedrops constrict blood vessels in the eye, Lumify increases the availability of oxygen to surrounding tissue, thereby reducing the potential of side effects such as tolerance, loss of effectiveness and rebound redness.

"With today's approval of Lumify, consumers have a new and unique treatment option to relieve red, irritated eyes," said Joseph C. Papa, chairman and CEO of Valeant. "Lumify is the first and only OTC eye drop with low-dose brimonidine, which has been clinically proven to be safe and effective since its initial approval as a prescription medication in 1996."

Lumify (brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.025%) is made by Valeant's eyecare company Bausch + Lomb, and is expected to be available in the second quarter of 2018.