Thick, long eyelashes frame your eyes, and make you appear prettier and more feminine even without makeup. But did you know your eyelashes do important work, too?
A recent study revealed that mammals large and small have eyelashes that are 1/3 the length of their eye. The study concluded that this length minimizes the amount of airflow over the eyeball, helping to keep it moist and dust-free.
Inadequate eyelash growth can put you at a higher risk for eye infection, but luckily, there is a solution. If you have thin, short, or otherwise insufficient eyelashes and you suffer from dry, irritated eyes, LATISSE® may be your answer for longer, thicker lashes.
What is LATISSE®?
LATISSE® is a prescription treatment for a condition called hypotrichosis, or inadequate eyelashes. It is the first and only prescription treatment approved by the FDA for inadequate eyelash growth. LATISSE® increases the length of the eyelash hair growth cycle and the number of hairs grown, resulting in longer, thicker, and darker eyelashes.
How is LATISSE® administered?
LATISSE® is a solution that you apply to the base of your upper eyelids once a day. You doctor will provide you with full instructions for how to apply the solution at home. It’s important that you follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. LATISSE® should never be applied to the bottom eyelid, as it can result in excess hair grown outside the treatment area.
You can expect to see some changes in your eyelash growth within 2 months, and full results within 3 to 4 months.
It is important that you use LATISSE® only once a day. If you miss a day or two, just resume your daily application and continue from there. You do not need to make up for missed days.
If you stop using LATISSE®, you can expect your eyelashes to return to their previous state within a few months.
What are the side effects and warnings associated with LATISSE®?
LATISSE® is an ophthalmic drug, which means it is specifically for the eyes, and was therefore made with special consideration for the safety and health of the treatment area. If you get LATISSE® in your eyes, it is not expected to cause harm and should not be rinsed out. If you get it on your skin outside the treatment area, blot it with a tissue or other absorbent material.
The most common reported side effects are:
- Itching and redness of the eyes (reported by 4% of patients)
- Skin darkening (fewer than 4%)
- Eye irritation (fewer than 4%)
- Dryness of the eyes (fewer than 4%)
- Redness of the eyelids (fewer than 4%)
LATISSE® must be prescribed by a doctor. Those with the following conditions should be sure to maintain close monitoring by their doctor while using LATISSE®:
- Anyone using LUMIGAN® or other products for elevated intraocular pressure (IOP)
- Anyone with a history of abnormal IOP
Please seek your doctor’s advice regarding your continued use of LATISSE® if you develop any of the following:
- A new ocular condition, such as trauma or infection
- A sudden decrease in visual acuity
- Conjunctivitis or eyelid reactions
All patients who use LATISSE® should be aware of the potential for a permanent increase in brown pigmentation of the iris. Although this change in iris pigmentation was not reported in clinical studies of LATISSE®, it has occurred when the same formulation was instilled directly into the eye for treatment of IOP and glaucoma.
Longer, thicker eyelashes aren’t just beautiful – they help keep your eyes healthy, too!
Where to Buy LATISSE® in San Diego
If you suffer from inadequate eyelashes and want to know if LATISSE® can help your lashes reach their fullest potential, give us a call at San Diego Cosmetic Laser Clinic (619) 583-7555 or click here to email us) and schedule a consultation with Dr. Parvin Mani today. She’ll examine your eyelashes and determine whether LATISSE® is a good fit for you.