What is the difference between Lumify and Systane?

October 7, 2025 •

5 min read

According to a 2017 clinical trial, Lumify significantly reduced ocular redness compared to a placebo, while Systane has been a leading brand for dry eye relief for years, showing that the core purpose of these products is entirely different. So, what is the difference between Lumify and Systane? The key distinction lies in their active ingredients and intended uses: Lumify is a redness reliever, and Systane is a lubricating artificial tear for dry eye.

Quick Summary

Lumify is an eye drop that specifically reduces redness using the active ingredient brimonidine tartrate. Systane is a line of lubricant eye drops designed to relieve dryness and irritation. The primary difference is Lumify addresses redness, while Systane treats the symptoms of dry eye, such as burning and irritation.

Key Points

Lumify is for Redness: The primary purpose of Lumify is to reduce the cosmetic appearance of red, bloodshot eyes by using a targeted active ingredient, brimonidine tartrate.
Systane is for Dryness: Systane is a lubricating artificial tear product designed to treat the symptoms of dry eye, such as burning, irritation, and grittiness.
Different Mechanisms of Action: Lumify selectively constricts veins to reduce redness, while Systane's lubricants moisturize the eye's surface to replenish the tear film.
Reduced Risk of Rebound: Unlike older redness relievers, Lumify's formulation has a low risk of causing rebound redness when used as directed.
Formulas Vary: Systane offers multiple formulas (e.g., Ultra, Complete, Hydration, preservative-free) to address different dry eye needs, whereas Lumify's main purpose is singular.
Do Not Substitute: Using Systane for redness or Lumify for dry eye will not effectively treat the intended issue, as their functions and ingredients are fundamentally different.

Understanding the Core Differences: Lumify vs. Systane

Lumify and Systane are both over-the-counter eye drops but are formulated for completely different purposes. Understanding their distinct functions is crucial for choosing the right product to address your specific eye discomfort. Choosing the wrong one may not only fail to resolve your issue but could also mask symptoms of an underlying condition or cause irritation.

Lumify: A Targeted Redness Reliever

Lumify is specifically designed to treat red, irritated eyes by reducing redness.

Active Ingredient: Its active ingredient is brimonidine tartrate (0.025%). At this low dose, brimonidine selectively constricts the small veins in the eye, reducing redness without constricting the arteries, which can lead to issues like rebound redness seen with older decongestant eye drops.
Mechanism of Action: Unlike older products that cut off oxygen supply to the eye, Lumify's selective action reduces redness while preserving oxygen flow, which lowers the risk of the eyes becoming redder again after the effect wears off.
Intended Use: Its sole purpose is to make the eyes appear whiter and brighter by alleviating redness caused by minor irritations, such as fatigue, eye strain, or environmental factors.
Onset and Duration: It works quickly, with effects often visible within one minute, and can last for up to eight hours.

Systane: A Lubricating Solution for Dry Eye

Systane is a broad brand of lubricant eye drops, also known as artificial tears, that primarily addresses the symptoms of dry eye.

Active Ingredients: Systane's products contain lubricating ingredients, such as polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol, which help to moisturize and protect the eye's surface. Different formulations (e.g., Ultra, Complete, Hydration) contain varying combinations of ingredients to address different types of dry eye (e.g., aqueous-deficient, evaporative).
Mechanism of Action: Systane replenishes the tear film, the protective layer of moisture on the eye's surface. It helps to stabilize this layer, reducing burning, irritation, and the gritty sensation associated with dry eye syndrome.
Intended Use: It is used to relieve a variety of dry eye symptoms, which can be caused by factors like screen time, air conditioning, wind, or natural tear film deficiencies.
Onset and Duration: The relief is typically instant and soothing but may need to be applied multiple times throughout the day depending on the severity of dryness and the specific product.

Comparison Table: Lumify vs. Systane

Choosing the Right Eye Drop for Your Needs

To determine whether Lumify or Systane is the appropriate choice, you must first identify the primary symptom you are trying to treat.

If your main concern is redness, and your eyes feel otherwise comfortable, Lumify is the more effective product. It is specifically formulated to reduce the appearance of bloodshot eyes. However, it is not a treatment for the underlying causes of persistent redness. If redness is accompanied by other symptoms or lasts longer than three days, consult an eye care professional.
If you experience dryness, burning, grittiness, or irritation, regardless of whether there is visible redness, Systane is the correct choice. As a lubricant, it helps restore the tear film to provide comfort. Systane offers various formulas, including preservative-free options for sensitive eyes and thicker gels for overnight use.

When to Consider Both

It is possible to suffer from both dry eye and redness. In this case, it is important to address the dry eye first, as the dryness itself can cause redness and irritation. Once the dryness is managed with a lubricating eye drop like Systane, any remaining cosmetic redness can be treated with Lumify. However, it is essential to follow directions and separate the instillation of different eye drops by at least five minutes to prevent one from washing out the other. Always consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis before combining treatments, especially if you have chronic eye issues.

Potential Side Effects and Safety Considerations

Both Lumify and Systane are generally safe when used as directed, but side effects can occur.

Lumify side effects: Some users may experience mild side effects like itching, stinging, or tearing. While its formulation minimizes the risk of rebound redness, using it excessively or for an underlying undiagnosed condition can be harmful.

Systane side effects: Side effects are typically mild and may include temporary blurred vision, especially with thicker gel formulas. Some multi-dose Systane products contain preservatives, which can cause irritation in sensitive individuals. In these cases, preservative-free versions are a better option. Severe burning, stinging, eye pain, or vision changes warrant immediate discontinuation and a doctor's visit.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between Lumify and Systane is not about which product is "better," but which is appropriate for your specific eye condition. Lumify is a specialized medication for cosmetic redness, using a targeted vasoconstrictor to whiten eyes for up to eight hours with a low risk of rebound effect. Systane is a lubricating artificial tear for the relief of dry eye symptoms, and it comes in multiple formulas to suit different needs. For chronic or severe symptoms, or if your condition does not improve with over-the-counter remedies, seeking the advice of an eye care professional is always the best course of action.

Key Takeaways

Purpose is Key: Lumify is a redness reliever, while Systane is a lubricant for dry eyes. They treat different symptoms and are not interchangeable.
Active Ingredients Differ: Lumify uses brimonidine tartrate to constrict blood vessels, while Systane uses lubricants like polyethylene glycol to moisturize.
Avoid Rebound Redness: Lumify's selective action reduces the risk of rebound redness common with older vasoconstrictor drops.
Relief for Dryness: Systane provides long-lasting relief from burning, stinging, and irritation caused by dry eye.
Assess Your Symptoms: If your primary issue is redness, choose Lumify. If it's dryness and irritation, choose Systane.
Safe Usage: Always follow product instructions and consult a doctor if symptoms persist for more than a few days, as they could indicate a more serious condition.
Check for Preservatives: For frequent use or sensitive eyes, consider the preservative-free versions of Systane to avoid irritation from additives.
Consult a Professional: Combining eye drops requires careful timing, and persistent eye issues should always be evaluated by an eye care professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can use both Lumify and Systane, but it is important to wait at least five minutes between applications. This prevents one drop from washing out the other. Systane should generally be applied first to address dry eye symptoms before applying Lumify for redness.

For those with sensitive eyes, Systane offers preservative-free formulas that can minimize irritation. Lumify also offers a preservative-free option for those with sensitivities. While both are generally well-tolerated, individuals with sensitivities should opt for the preservative-free versions of either product.

Systane is not a dedicated redness reliever, but it may help with redness if the redness is a direct result of eye dryness and irritation. By lubricating the eye, Systane can soothe the surface and reduce the irritation that causes redness. However, it does not use a vasoconstrictor like Lumify to target redness specifically.

The redness-relieving effects of Lumify can last for up to eight hours after a single application. It is important not to use it more than four times daily and to discontinue use if redness persists.

Rebound redness is a condition where the eye becomes redder than before after the effect of a vasoconstrictor wears off. It is commonly associated with older eye drop formulas. Lumify uses a low-dose, selective vasoconstrictor that significantly lowers the risk of rebound redness when used as directed.

Some Systane formulas are safe for use with contacts, but you should always check the product label for specific instructions. With Lumify, you must remove your contact lenses before use and wait at least 10 minutes before reinserting them.

You should see an eye care professional if your symptoms worsen or persist for more than 72 hours, if you experience eye pain or changes in vision, or if you suspect your symptoms are related to a more serious underlying condition.