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Opti-Clear
Generic name: tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic
Brand names: Visine, Geneye Extra, Geneyes, Opti-Clear, Redness Relief, Redness Relief Original, Visine Maximum Redness Relief, Vision Clear
What is Opti-Clear?
Tetrahydrozoline is a vasoconstrictor. It works by narrowing swollen blood vessels in the eyes to reduce eye redness.
Opti-Clear (for the eyes) is used for temporary relief of minor eye redness, swelling, or draining caused by minor irritants.
Opti-Clear may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
How should I take Opti-Clear?
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Using the medication too long or too often may worsen your symptoms and cause damage to the blood vessels in your eyes.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
To apply the eye drops:
- Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.
- Close your eye and gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
- Use only the number of drops recommended.
Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.
Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Warnings
Opti-Clear is for temporary relief of minor eye redness or discomfort caused by minor irritants.
Stop using Opti-Clear and call your doctor immediately if you have ongoing or worsening eye redness, eye pain, or changes in your vision.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Opti-Clear if you are allergic to it.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially:
- glaucoma;
- heart disease, high blood pressure;
- diabetes;
- a thyroid disorder; or
- an eye injury or infection.
It is not known whether Opti-Clear will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
It is not known whether tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Opti-Clear side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Opti-Clear may cause serious side effects. Stop using Opti-Clear and call your doctor right away if you have:
- ongoing or worsening eye redness;
- eye pain;
- changes in your vision;
- chest pain, fast or uneven heart rate; or
- severe headache, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, or feeling short of breath.
Common side effects of Opti-Clear may include:
- mild burning or stinging of the eye;
- blurred vision, watery eyes; or
- dilated pupils.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may happen. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since Opti-Clear is used as needed, you might not have a dosing schedule. If you do have a schedule, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.
Keep Opti-Clear out of the reach of children. Some eye medications can cause serious health issues in a young child who accidentally sucks on or swallows medicine from the eye dropper.
Do not use this medication while wearing contact lenses. Opti-Clear may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medicine before putting in your contact lenses.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
What other drugs will affect Opti-Clear?
It is not likely that other drugs you take by mouth or inject will affect tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic used in the eyes. However, many drugs can interact with each other. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
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Content is provided for education and is not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.