Some people want to lengthen, thicken, and darken their eyelashes. An FDA-approved drug called Latisse is prescribed to people who want to enhance their eyelashes. A glaucoma drug has the same main ingredient called Lumigan. People who used Lumigan for glaucoma were surprised to see that their eyelashes are fuller and darker than usual.
Latisse can also cause undesirable effects. Some people who use Latisse develop eye redness, irritation, or dark eyelid skin. You can observe that these symptoms are gone once you discontinued the drugs. The darkening of the iris that occurred as a side effect cannot be reversed.
A lot of over-the-counter serums can be found in beauty aisles that promise the same effects as Latisse do. It is important to know the differences between the products. For Latisse, Bimatoprost is the prostaglandin analog that FDA approved. In over-the-counter products, isopropyl cloprostenate is the prostaglandin analog that FDA does not approve. They cannot be approved because they are not tested for safety and effect. Take note that the only eyelash growth serum that is currently approved by the FDA is Latisse.
What Are the Tips in Using Latisse?
Latisse has a recommended age of use. If you are under the age of 18, there is no approval for you to use the product. It is also not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. You are required to have a medical prescription before you can use Latisse. Therefore, the only person who can use it is to whom it was prescribed and it is not allowed for other people to use it.
Before using Latisse, make sure that you remove your contact lenses if you are wearing one. You should wait for at least 15 minutes before putting the contact lens back in your eye. Never reuse the applicator for this drug because it is a single-use only. Be careful because you can contaminate the bottle by allowing the tip of the bottle to come into contact with other surfaces. Contamination can lead to a serious eye infection which we do not want to happen.
Can I Use Latisse if I Have an Eye Condition?
Ask your ophthalmologist before using Latisse if you have an eye condition such as glaucoma, macular edema, or eye inflammation. An ophthalmologist can help you assess your condition and particular reaction. Make sure to strictly follow the instructions of the drug to avoid side effects. If you experience a sudden decrease in vision or any eye reactions, call your ophthalmologist immediately.
