Latisse (eyelash enhancement)

What is it?

Latisse is a medication that was originally used to treat glaucoma with direct application to the eye.  It was noted that people using it got longer, fuller lashes.  Research has shown that patients get the same effect by applying a small amount of the solution directly to the eye, receiving the benefits of lashes with minimal effect on the eye.

Benefits

Latisse is a nonsurgical, topical application for eyelashes that provides the patient with longer, thicker, fuller lashes without the need for extensions, mascara, or other techniques. Your doctor will evaluate your medical history to determine if you're a good candidate for Latisse. If you have an eye infection, broken or irritated upper eyelid skin, or if you are using products for elevated intraocular pressure, talk to your doctor.

Cautions

The most common side effects after using Latisse solution are an itching sensation in the eyes and/or eye redness, which were reported in approximately 4% of patients. These may occur immediately after use, but should usually last only for a short period of time. Eye itching and eye redness are not allergic reactions, and do not mean that your eyes are being harmed.

Latisse solution may cause other less common side effects, which typically occur on the skin close to where Latisse is applied, or in the eyes. These include eye irritation, dryness of the eyes, and redness of the eyelids. Skin darkening (or hyperpigmentation) is another less common side effect. This condition causes areas of skin to become darker than the surrounding skin color, but has been reported to be reversible after discontinuation of the product.

Could Latisse cause the color of my eyes to change?  Increased brown iris pigmentation has occurred when similar medications were instilled directly into the eye to treat elevated intraocular pressure/glaucoma. Although iris pigmentation was not reported in clinical studies with Latisse, patients should be advised about the potential for increased brown iris pigmentation which is likely to be permanent.

Pricing

Latisse is priced at $110 per bottle, or call for bulk pricing.  Two bottles will allow a patient to treat for three months, by which time the maximal effect is achieved.  After this time, many patients are able to decrease the amount they use and maintain lash fullness and length.