Going to Great Lengths For Long Lashes

By drodriguez Jan 28, 2009

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

Make a Comment

Comments

by jh0816 | DULUTH, GA

Feb 09, 2009

That is a lot of money for lashes - you know the price will come down like on everything else though after it is not new anymore. I have always had longer lashes than most so I don't know what that is like really. Maybe I can see it if it would cheaper.

by lilred70670 | Albany, IN

Feb 08, 2009

I think if I had an extra $120 a month I would donate it to help abused children or Riley Children's Hospital rather tan spend it so friviously on making my eyelashes longer! That is utterly ridiculous. Anyone that is that desperate needs to spend the money for therapy to find out why their self esteem is so low. Seriously, have you ever heard anyone say, "I fell in love with her because her eyelashes were so long"? Give me a break!

by bbred57 | Springfield, MN

Feb 08, 2009

I cannot believe that someone would pay $120.00 a month for longer eyelashes. I have blond lashes that you cannot see and I would not even think of doing something that crazy!

by livebyoptimism | Kane, SC

Feb 08, 2009

I would definitely want to try this to make me lashes longer.... BUT the fact that it could change the color of my iris scares me! I love the color of my eyes; it's what makes me me & I constantly get compliments on them. I love the idea of long lashes, but I would never give up the color of my eyes for it. I'll just stick to mascara & false lashes every now & then. If it was OTC, had no side effects, & didn't cost over $30, I would be applying it every night! :)

by suebeelee | Fullerton, CA

Feb 07, 2009

I'd try it if it were cheaper and over the counter. What about all the other lash enhancers out there that are not on the market? I used Jan Marini Age Intervention Eyelash before they "reformulated" the product and it WORKED!! Took about 6 weeks but my lashes were super long and everyone noticed them. Then I got pregnant and decided I'd better stop just in case. I guess Latisse is the only product approved by the FDA then?

by busygrandma | Wilmette, IL

Feb 07, 2009

I think I'll wait for an over-the-counter version. $120 per month is crazy.

by sbooth | Eugene, OR

Feb 06, 2009

I would love longer darker lashes. But that alot of money to spend on lashes.

by mariab10 | SOMERVILLE, MA

Feb 06, 2009

Lashes are the new boobs, from what I've been hearing (in terms of the surgeries women put themselves through in search of improvement). I'm not surprised someone came up with a solution. I wonder whether men will start using this on their poor bald heads.

by beauty | Arkoma, OK

Feb 06, 2009

I would love longer, darker eye lashes. Although the thought of damaging my eyes somehow out weighs the effects of it.

by Fish4Christ | Flagstaff, AZ

Feb 05, 2009

Oh My Gosh I cannot believe that they are selling this just for longer eyelashes!!!! Does not sound like such a smart thing to be doing!!!

by Horsemad27 | Kentwood, MI

Feb 04, 2009

While I would love longer and thicker lashes, $120 for a MONTH? Are you kidding me? I think I will stick with my $10 tube of mascara.

by shopalcoholic | Denver, CO

Feb 04, 2009

In a minute!! I have had eyelash extensions and loved them but there was too much maintenance involved. Can't wait to try the product!

by CYNDERELI | WILMINGTON, IL

Feb 04, 2009

no thanks... my eyes are my window to the world....sticking with my mascara

by halcomb | knoxville, TN

Feb 04, 2009

i will definitely check w/ my dermatologist about this drug. i have sparse, blonde eyelashes and hate having to always have mascara on.

by nutmeg | MATTITUCK, NY

Feb 04, 2009

Being a blonde you can hardly see my lashes. I put mascara on and even with several coats you can't even tell I have lashes they are so skimpy. I am afraid of the fake one...i am afraid of the glue.