Latisse | Eyelashes
Posted by Dr. J. R. Lacey, Therapeutic Optometrist
Latisse will grow your eyelashes longer and thicker!
Latisse is the only FDA-approved prescription medical treatment to grow more eyelashes and to make them longer, thicker, and darker.
How Latisse Works
The active ingredient is bimatoprost ophthalmic solution, which is the same medicine used in certain glaucoma medications, specifically Lumigan (by Allergan). It lowers the eye pressure which is why it is so effective to treat glaucoma. However, one of the side effects is darker, longer, thicker eyelashes which is why it was then developed to treat hypotrichosis (not enough eyelashes).
It does not work immediately upon application. It takes 12-16 weeks to get the full effect and it must be used with consistency. If you stop using Latisse your lashes will most likely return to their previous appearance after a month or two. 
How to Apply Latisse
Latisse should be applied once per day at night. It comes with a bottle of solution and disposable applicators. First you must remove all eye make-up and contact lenses. Make sure your skin is clean and dry, free of any oils used to remove your make-up. Put a drop of the solution on one of the applicators. Then use the applicator to apply the solution at the base of the upper eyelashes. Next make sure to use a tissue to blot any excess solution beyond the lashes and dispose of the applicator. Apply the solution to the other eye and you are finished.
Download Graphic Directions on how to apply Latisse
Side Effects of Latisse
The most common side effect is itching of the eyes and redness. These side effects should not last long and may even go away with continued use.
Less common side effects are ocular irritation, dryness and redness of the eyelids. These symptoms occur on the eyelid where the product comes into contact with the skin. Another side effect is hyper-pigmentation or darkening of the skin where the product is applied. This is thought to be reversible upon discontinuation of the medication.
When this product is instilled directly into the eyes as a glaucoma medication it can cause increased brown pigmentation of the iris. This was not experienced in any studies of Latisse but people should be aware of the possibility. In studies of glaucoma patients, this effect primarily involved people with green eyes but those with hazel eyes and light brown eyes are also susceptible. The increased brown pigmentation appears to be a permanent change.
Documented Side Effects
A trial of 278 people who used Latisse documented notable side effects. According to the study, Latisse produced eye redness in 3.6 percent of patients, itchy eyes in 3.6 percent and darkening of the eyelid skin (hyperpigmentation) in 2.9 percent.
Latisse produced a 25 percent increase in eyelash length, a 106 percent increase in thickness and an 18 percent increase in darkness in this study.
Where do I get Latisse?
You must have a prescription from a doctor in order to purchase Latisse. It can be purchased from a pharmacy like you would get any other medication.
