Going to Great Lengths For Long Lashes

   By drodriguez  Jan 28, 2009
70

Women have been using mascara for over a century to create the illusion of darker and longer eyelashes.  Now it seems we have something new to add to the cosmetic arsenal that will make long lashes a reality rather than an illusion.  The FDA just approved a prescription medicine called Latisse that is said to lengthen eyelashes dramatically in a short amount of time. 

The way Latisse was created was sort of a happy accident.  Patients began realizing that the eye drops they were being prescribed for glaucoma were also making their eyelashes grow.  It turns out a compound in the eye drops, called prostaglandin analogs, was responsible for the hair growth.  Doctors soon began prescribing the glaucoma medicine to patients specifically for the purpose of lengthening their lashes.

Women who are prescribed Latisse by their doctors will use a wand to apply the liquid medicine to the edges of their eyelids.  The prescription drug costs $120 for a one-month supply.  Dermatologist, Dr. Victor Narukar, told ABC News that he expects the drug to do very well with women.  He said, “Very much to my amazement, the number one issue around the eyes that women are often concerned by are thinning eyelashes.”

After hearing about a new drug being prescribed for such a cosmetic purpose, many women will immediately wonder about possible side effects.  There is one side effect being reported about that could be potentially serious to some. 

Glaucoma specialist, Dr. Andrew Iwach has warned, “In some patients there can be a change in the color of the iris.”  Apparently, this side effect happens more often in people with lighter color eyes.  None of the patients in the clinical trial reported this side effect, which may be because Latisse is not supposed to go directly into the eye, but just at the edges of the eyelid.

The clinical trial was considered a success proving the drug makes eyelashes a good deal longer and thicker.  Almost 80 percent of the subjects involved in the study saw significant increases in eyelash length, fullness, and darkness after 16 weeks.  Dr. Narukar reports that women will see full growth within six to eight weeks after using the drug, at which point they may even have to trim the lashes to shorten them.   

What do you think of the new drug being prescribed to lengthen lashes?

Is this something you would ever consider talking with you doctor about?

You can view the ABC News story about Latisse at http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/health&id=6607286

 

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mooneykell by mooneykell | WARTRACE, TN
Mar 04, 2009

I would have to see all possible pros and cons. The price is steep, but if I had the money to waste then why not.

mlhager648 by mlhager648 | Houston, TX
Mar 03, 2009

I don't think this special "blend" for the lashes has been used long enough for me to see what the long-term effects will be. I'll give it a couple of year's before I'll even consider it. Hell, for that price tag I could just go get eyelash extentions. They're definitely safe!

softballhead8 by softballhead8 | PEORIA, IL
Mar 01, 2009

I'm happy with mascara. What would drive people to do this? The constant pressure of today's society to look as women did when they were 20 is all I can think of... It is sad that women put this $ towards something vain and self-centered which could go towards something more deserving!

CrystalBurgard by CrystalBurgard | N TONAWANDA, NY
Feb 28, 2009

Thanks, but no thanks! @$120 a month, thats an entire years worth of mascara and it doesnt save time or anything, you still have to put something on your eyes whether its this stuff or mascara. Ill save my money and not be their guinea pig

hslagle by hslagle | Griffin, GA
Feb 26, 2009

I think this sounds amazing. However, 16 weeks is a long time to wait and that is almost $500 worth of medication. Wow. But, I would love to have longer eyelashes. This product might even help balding men and women one day. (Larger scheme) nice.

jenlynn57 by jenlynn57 | Richmond, VA
Feb 21, 2009

Drugs for longer lashes?? I don't think so, at any cost!

y42796 by y42796 | Auburn, WA
Feb 20, 2009

This sounds really promising for those people with a deep wish for longer, fuller eyelashes. Personally I would want alot more clinical testing before I would try this product.

aawl83 by aawl83 | Haysville, KS
Feb 20, 2009

I would love, love, love longer eyelashes, but for $120! Maybe the price will come down in the future, then maybe I'll try it! I'm so envious of my husband's eyelashes, they are so pretty!!!

generic1234 by generic1234 | WESTERN SPRGS, IL
Feb 18, 2009

In this economy? A $120 for something that is definitely not a necessity is IMO, way too much money.

crysrocke by crysrocke | PHILADELPHIA, PA
Feb 16, 2009

Definitely, I have a doctors appointment later this week. I printed the article and I will take to my physician to see if he will prescribe this for me. I would love to not have to use mascara. This information has been very helpful. Thank you.

robincl by robincl | Burleson, TX
Feb 15, 2009

While I'd truly love to ditch the mascara tube, the cost in both risk and dollars for this is just too high. I think I'll wait until the kinks are worked out, and the price comes way, way down and then revisit it.

quilterpeg by quilterpeg | Millington, TN
Feb 14, 2009

Sure seems like a lot of money and risk to your eyes to look better. I think I'll stick with the mascara.

grandma2 by grandma2 | HORTONVILLE, WI
Feb 13, 2009

Thank you DeniseElaine for your first hand account. I also give you great credit for standing up for yourself and asking for a different medication for your glaucoma. So many people would just go along with what the doc prescribed without questioning it. I think this is a great medication for people who have experienced loss of hair due to chemo. If this is an option for them how wonderful!

Daintry2 by Daintry2 | New Braunfels, TX
Feb 10, 2009

Sounds fun, but it's alot of money for a drug that no insurance company will cover. :) And I love my eye color, I would hate to accidently get some in my light brown eyes and make them darker. We use way to many chemicals as it is, why not stick with tried and true makeup. Sure it comes off, but it has been around for a very long time.

DeniseElaine by DeniseElaine | Joplin, MO
Feb 09, 2009

My eye doctor prescribried latisse for my early stage glaucoma, but told me that one of the side affects was that it changed the color of your eyes...ie...my green eyes that I love would become brown....but he told me I would have beautiful long lashes, I told him that I would rather keep my green eyes, and he prescribried something else for me to use...you have to be real careful not to get this product into your eye, because light eyed gals will become dark eyed gals...NO JOKE...