Report any eye pain, infection or vision changes to your ophthalmologist immediately, Dr. More significant reactions include increased eyelash growth in the corners of the eyes and excessive eyebrow growth if the medication touches them. Eye and eyelid swelling, as well as some allergic reactions, are possible, according to the FDA. Patients can experience eyelid itching, dry eye, eyelid darkening and bloodshot eyes. While bimatoprost’s side effects are permanent used alone, when used in eyelash grower they can fade when you stop using the product, Dr. Using these drugs in combination with Latisse can increase treatment side effects.Īdvertising Policy Side effects can fade with this use In particular, mention if you’re already using latanoprost or travoprost. Because bimatoprost is the main ingredient, if you have glaucoma and are already treating it with medication, consult your ophthalmologist before using Latisse, Dr. The FDA approved Latisse for eyelash growth in 2008, and it’s deemed safe for for adults. If you stop using eyelash grower, your eyelashes will gradually return to their original state. Results usually appear within two months. Perry says, as it’s used to treat glaucoma and is unlikely to cause damage. Don’t worry if any medication gets into your eye, Dr. It may spread to the lower lashes as you blink, but the primary effect will be on the upper eyelashes only. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use on the upper eyelashes only. It works by creating more hair follicles during the hair-growing cycle. The solution is used once nightly and is placed at the roots of the upper eyelashes with a single-use applicator. In an eyelash grower however, bimatoprost’s function and effects are slightly different.Īdvertising Policy How an eyelash grower worksīefore application, wash your hands and face, removing any makeup. This fat atrophy is permanent and can be severe, so you should stop using it immediately if you notice symptoms. Another side effect is known as periorbital fat atrophy – a hollowing-out appearance of the eyelids. For example, it can cause permanent brown discoloration of the iris over months or years of use. It should be noted however that this fatty acid can cause light irises to become darker over the years.
As an eye drop medication, it’s used to treat glaucoma by relieving the pressure inside the eye. On its own, bimatoprost is a prostaglandin – a fatty acid that has hormone-like effects on the body. “If you use it properly, you’re exposing the eye to only 5% of the drug as compared to the eye drop method used to treat glaucoma.” Hormone-like effects “You must remember to follow the administration instructions as specified if you want to lower the risk of any side effects,” he says. It’s effective for both purposes, but is it safe? Can it cause lasting changes to your eyes? The answer to both questions, according to ophthalmologist Julian Perry, MD, is yes. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.