DROP THE VISINE BOTTLE, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!

I was in a habit of "refreshing" my eyes a few times during some days with Visine® (especially when working non-stop with the computer, tests, and grade sheets) and thought I was helping myself.  Recently I saw a well-respected Pittsburgh opthalmologist for some unrelated problems.  He warned me vehemently against using Visine®.  The active ingredient in many of the company's formulas is tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride.  This works to constrict blood vessels, making the eye appear white again.  However, long-term (as in daily) use is potentially dangerous.  The eye's blood vessels become accustomed to the Visine®, and a "rebound redness" will occur, making the eye SIGNIFICANTLY more red unless even more Visine® is instilled.  In some people, "rebound redness" lasts for a long time, up to several months.  Long-term use of Visine® may also damage the ocular surface.  A better alternative would be to use a lubricant such as GenTeal® (formulas for mild to severely dry eyes, in liquid and gel form).  There is no limit to the number of times you can use this in a day, and the active ingredients are nearly as gentle as your natural tears.  So, please, drop the Visine® bottle and nobody will get hurt . . .