For Immediate Release

3/23/2009

Longer and Thicker Eyelashes Now a Reality

Glaucoma medication inspires new drug to promote eyelash growth

March 23, 2009 -- Latisse, the first prescription treatment to promote eyelash growth, making them longer, thicker and darker, is now available at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2008, Latisse is a new treatment for eyelash hypotrichosis, the term describing having inadequate or not enough eyelashes.

As an oculoplastic surgeon, who consults on ophthalmic aesthetic and cosmetic treatments, Wendy W. Lee M.D., M.S., assistant professor of clinical ophthalmology at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, states, “Latisse is quite remarkable and I expect women who are looking for fuller, longer and thicker lashes to line up for it.”  She adds, “Latisse is safe if it is applied as instructed and cleared by a physician or preferably an ophthalmologist. Before I recommend such an aesthetic treatment to a patient, it is very important to obtain a thorough ocular history and conduct an exam if necessary to establish ocular health.”

Study patients report a 106% increase in lash thickness, a 25% increase in eyelash length and an 18% increase in eyelash darkness in as little as eight weeks, with full results in 16 weeks when using Latisse.   Ophthalmologists can confirm that eyelash growth is a noticeable side effect among glaucoma patients using bimatoprost, the active ingredient in Lumigan.  Lumigan and Latisse, both manufactured by Allergan (the makers of botox), are used differently. Lumigan is an eyedrop prescribed to reduce elevated intraocular pressure, and Latisse gets dabbed along the lash line on the upper eyelids.  

Jennifer I. Hui, M.D., another Bascom Palmer oculoplastic specialist, says, “Latisse is an excellent non-invasive, FDA-approved option for patients who are looking to enhance the thickness and length of their eyelashes."

Allergan conducted clinical trials among 278 healthy adult patients with no active ocular disease finding that Latisse was well-tolerated, with the most common but very rare side effects being eye redness, itchy eyes, and the darkening of the eyelid skin, which may be reversible. Their study also notes that Latisse may cause increased pigmentation to the colored part of the eye, which is likely to be permanent, although it is important to note that this is a side effect of Lumigan applied to the surface of the eye, but was not actually seen in any of the clinical trials with Latisse.  The amount of Latisse that is applied to the base of the lashes is approximately 5% of what is applied topically for glaucoma, so very little should come into contact with the eye, explaining why this side effect was not seen with Latisse.   As well, Latisse may promote hair growth in other skin areas that it frequently comes into contact with.  Dr. Lee conducted her own clinical review with 19 patients and found Latisse to be effective in growing longer and thicker eyelashes.

A 30 day supply of Latisse can cost about $150.