Longer Eyelash Drug Treatment Warning

What’s in a look? For women who want longer eyelashes—apparently a lot. That’s why a new drug that promises to grow longer, fuller lashes is getting a lot of attention.

It’s called Latisse. It was originally sold as Lumigan, which is a glaucoma drug. But during drug trials, researchers found that the drug actually caused eyelashes to grow thicker. So the drugmaker repackaged Lumigan as Latisse, an eyelash grower, and got approval from the Food and Drug Administration to sell it.

Consumer Reports says there are real drawbacks. Not only does Latisse cost about $120 a month, but you also have to keep applying it or your eyelashes return to their previous appearance. And there are side effects.

The commercial says, “May cause eyelid skin darkening which may be reversible. And there is potential for increased brown iris pigmentation, which is likely permanent.“

That means that if you have light-colored eyes, they may turn brown.

And Consumer Reports ShopSmart says there are concerns that Latisse could conceal underlying glaucoma. As with any drug, you have to weigh the benefits against the risks. And with Latisse, the benefits are purely cosmetic. So ShopSmart thinks the risks are not worth it for most people.

Instead, consider a good mascara. In Consumer Reports’ recent tests of mascara, women with short lashes especially liked Maybelline Define-A-Lash and CoverGirl VolumeExact. Both cost under $10.

And Consumer Reports ShopSmart says that while Latisse is FDA-approved, there are some cosmetic eyelash-enhancing products on the market that are not regulated at all. ShopSmart’s advice—steer clear.