Longer Eyelashes

[JoAnnDallas]

A drug that combats a debilitating eye disease could see mascara consigned to the dustbin after tests found it also doubles eyelash growth.

So convincing are the side-effects of Glaucoma treatment Lumigan that its maker plans to apply for a cosmetic licence in the U.S.

It means sales in Britain could start as early as next year - allowing Allergan to compete for a share of the £2billion spent on mascara each year worldwide.

Interest in the cosmetic potential of Lumigan was sparked by the observation that the lashes of many patients being treated for glaucoma grew more quickly than expected.

The effect was most obvious in those being treated in one eye, with the lashes becoming noticeably thicker, longer and darker.

In a trial at Miami University, the drug, also known as bimatoprost, was mixed with a gel. Those taking part were given two gels, one containing bimatoprost and the other a dummy drug, and told to regularly apply one to each eye.

The eyelashes treated with bimatoprost grew around 2mm in six weeks - twice as quickly as those coated with the dummy solution.

It is not clear how the drug lengthens lashes. In glaucoma, it works by lowering a build-up of pressure that can lead to blindness.

More than 350,000 prescriptions are written every year in Britain. In the case of eyelashes, it is thought the drug's hormone-like formulation stimulates growth.

If given the go-ahead for sale as a cosmetic, it could also benefit those who have lost their lashes because of alopecia and other conditions.

Valerie Randall, professor of biomedical sciences at Bradford University, told the Independent on Sunday: 'What the company is doing now is amplifying the sideeffects of a medical treatment.

When we understand better how it works, it could be used in the treatment of alopecia and other hair growth problems.'

[Anne Murray (SO)]

I must be one of the few ladies who do not want longer eyelashes, as nice as they can look. Mine are not that long but they still smear my glasses and when i push my glasses up, i can feel the lashes hitting against them when i blink. Fine for you glassless girls but not for me. Any other girl who wears specs have the same problems.
Anne

[Carolynn]

I use Xalatan in my left eye only for glaucoma. It may be a generic for the Lumigan, I don't know, but there is a definite difference in the lashes on the left eye in terms of length and density, I am tempted to try to equalize them out but the medicine is expensive. LOL.

Carolynn

[Lydia]

There are extensive side effects listed like:

An allergic reaction in the eye
Tired eyes
Sensitivity to light
Darker skin colour around the eye
Darker eyelashes
Pain
A feeling that something is in your eye
Sticky eyes
Darker iris colour
Difficulty in seeing clearly
Irritation
Burning
Inflamed, red and itchy eyelids
Tears
Dryness
Swelling of the see-through layer which covers the surface of the eye
Cataract
Small breaks in the surface of the eye, with or without inflammation

And these are given as mandated by the FDA. What others may there be?

Are you willing to take a chance with your most precious sensory system?

Hugs,

Lydia

[Carolynn]

I am already using Xalatan for glaucoma. I have been for a year and have none of those side effects. IMHO, using the drug is much preferrable to being blind in one eye at this point in my life. As far a using it in the right eye, I was not serious since it is not needed for the protection of my sight in that eye. Remember the LOL?

As far as the potential cosmetic use of the portion of the drug that causes the eyelash enhancement, what the pharmaceutical people are trying to do is isolating that if they can, and then it will have to go through trials to be licensed for sale as a cosmetic. And that presupposes there is a possibility of isolating the component of the drug that does the eyelashes, and that is no certainty. On the other hand, if there is a way it will happen, if there is a buck in it.

Carolynn

[JoAnnDallas]

From what I have read from doing some background research, the cosmetic people are saying that if put on the EYELID and not in the eye istelf will cause longer, fuller eyelashes.

There are many topical eye treatments that are safe as long as they are use on the lids but can be dangerous if put in the eye. I have a eye cream that clearly states to put on the LID and if you accidently get some in your eye to quickly wash your eyes and if any problem see a doctor.

[Leeza]

Anne Murrary (SO), I must have really short lashes as my natural lashes don't rub my glasses. If I put on long lengh lashes they will rub. Of course there is the option of letting your glasses set lower on your nose.

Love
Leeza

[JoAnnDallas]

FDA Approves Product To Make Eyelashes Grow Longer
By Leslie Baumann, M.D. - Posted on Wed, Jan 07, 2009, 12:29 pm PST
A while back, I told you about a controversy that had been brewing in the dermatological world: Several cosmetic companies -- after discovering that glaucoma drugs that include ingredients known as prostaglandins had the surprising side effect of creating thicker, longer eyelashes -- began including prostaglandin-like ingredients in cosmetic products. Trouble is, the FDA had not verified or approved the assertion that such ingredients lengthen lashes, which forced cosmetics companies to retract the claim and reformulate their products.
Well, I'm pleased to share the latest update on this topic: On December 26, 2008, the drug company Allergan announced that the FDA had approved Latisse 0.03% as a treatment for hypotrichosis (the medical term for sparse eyelashes. The active ingredient in Latisse, bimatoprost, was approved for the treatment of eye disorders like glaucoma years ago, but this is the first time it has been officially approved to enhance the eyelashes (defined here as an increase in length, thickness, and darkness).
According to Allergan, applied once daily to the upper lash line (this product should not be used on the lower lashes), Latisse typically produces noticeable results in 8 weeks, with full results in 16 weeks. You'll need to keep using it to maintain those results, though -- once use is discontinued, lashes begin to return to their original state. Latisse will be sold by prescription only, and is expected to be available to consumers in the first quarter of 2009. The suggested retail price for a 30-day supply is $120 (including 60 single-use sterile applicators).
In studies, subjects tolerated Latisse well -- the primary reported side effects were eye redness or itchiness and darkening of the eyelids. Anyone considering using this, or any drug should discuss the specifics of their medical history (particularly if they are already taking the glaucoma drug Lumigan) with their doctor.
Wishing you great skin!

[Gwen Lee]

I think I would be more inclined to try the lash extensions that are being offered now. These, in case you haven't seen them, are individual hairs that are glued onto individual lashes to make them longer. IT is a little expensive, but they last several months, falling out as the real lash is shed. I've seen before and after photos, and they can be really striking. I also like the sound of the application process. You lie down for several hours as a cosmetologist glues them on your lashes. Talking about personal attention. Anyone try these yet?

[Patti D]

I used eye lashes the last time I dressed and loved them.
My lids hide most of my natural lashes, these helped, after my eyes quit watering