What Is Latisse?
Our eyelashes do much more than accentuating our eyes. They prevent dust and debris from entering and harming our eyes. It’s not surprising, then, that many people with sparse or no eyelashes have come to rely on Latisse, a serum that stimulates eyelash growth.
Eyelashes are the eyes’ first line of defense against dust and debris, so it’s no wonder that people who’ve lost all or many of their eyelashes are eager to find a way to replenish them.
That’s where Latisse can play a role.
Latisse is a version of an eye drop medication used to treat glaucoma. Patients who took bimatoprost (brand name Lumigen) for glaucoma discovered that their eyelashes grew thicker and more plentiful. After extensive trials, the FDA approved the drug as an eyelash treatment in 2008, and it is currently known by its brand name, Latisse.
Research is being conducted to clarify exactly how Latisse lengthens and thickens eyelashes, but it is known that it tends to extend the eyelash development phase and increase the number of eyelashes.
How to Use Latisse
Every night, patients dab Latisse serum on their upper row of eyelashes with an applicator that must be disposed of after every use. The serum is applied only to the top lashes and never to the bottom row, and should not make contact with the eyes.
Through blinking, the serum spreads from the top row of lashes to the bottom row, and is evenly distributed. It’s important to always remove eye makeup and contact lenses before applying Latisse.
Many users notice an increase, lengthening and thickening of their eyelashes in about two months. After several more months, your eye doctor may recommend reducing the frequency of applications to every other night rather than nightly. However, if you stop using the treatment entirely, your eyelashes will return to their former condition.
What Are Some Possible Latisse Side Effects?
Latisse is safe and effective when used according to your eye doctor’s instructions.
However, some people may experience any of these side effects:
- Redness in the conjunctiva (the clear protective layer over the white part of the eye)
- Itchy eyes
- Dark patches on the eyelids
- Brown pigmentation in the iris (the colored part of the eye)
- Irregular hair growth surrounding the eyes if the serum drips onto the eyelids
Who Should Use Latisse?
Just as the hair on our head can grow thinner with age, our eyelashes may also thin out as we get older. To remedy this problem and to have thicker, more youthful-looking lashes, people may opt for Latisse treatments.
Sometimes, lashes fall out due to certain medical conditions, such as alopecia or as a side effect of chemotherapy. In these cases, Latisse can replace lost eyelashes and make any remaining lashes thicker.
However, Latisse isn’t suitable for everyone. The following patients should avoid using Latisse:
- Glaucoma patients who are already taking medication to lower eye pressure
- Those with eye inflammation conditions such as conjunctivitis and uveitis
- People who are prone to eye allergies
- Patients who are pregnant or nursing
If you want to increase the volume and thickness of your eyelashes and want to learn whether Latisse is the right treatment for you, schedule an appointment with Opthalmology Doctor Name at Opthalmology Practice Name in LOCATION1 today.
Our practice serves patients from CITY 1, CITY 2, CITY 3, and CITY 4, and surrounding communities.