Fancy thicker, longer eyelashes? This is an asset for most women who want something to make themselves more attractive-looking to men, but do not want to spend a fortune doing so. So far women have been able to make do with mascara, false eyelashes and eyelash extensions. Now comes a new alternative.

The cosmetic world has been shaken with the introduction of a new FDA-approved product for the growth of longer eyelashes. This is, of course, Latisse, which is a 0.03% ophthalmic solution of online medical supplies. This product, when applied once nightly to the lid margin of the upper eyelid where the eyelashes sprout out, will, in the space of about 8 weeks result in the growth of thicker and longer lashes.

This appears to be a product directly in competition with the business of producers and marketers of false eyelashes and mascara as well as of beauticians, who have been making a pretty good living providing eyelash extension services, and understandably are not too happy with a potential drop in their business. The above three solutions can be provided by non medical personnel. Latisse, however is a medical product that can only obtained on prescription. Thus this cuts out the contribution of traders and beauticians, as there will be a percentage of their clients who will opt to grow their own eyelashes rather than depend on makeup (mascara) or false eyelashes or even eyelash extensions, as to grow lashes of your own is seen to be more natural. However, the main advantage of using mascara and false eyelashes has been the lower cost, and the privilege of being able to choose and mix the color and style of both false lashes and eyelash extensions, in keeping with the latest fad or fashion. The disadvantages of eyelash extensions have been its much higher cost, the fact that it takes at least two hours to apply, and that one has to possess some eyelashes in the first place for the beautician to be able to glue the extensions on, and the fact that it requires a maintenance program.

Latisse in its original form was known as Lumigan, a product used for the treatment of glaucoma, which is an eye disease that causes the pressure in the eyeball to be raised, and leads ultimately to blindness if unchecked. It was noticed that patients on regular Lumigan to reduce eyeball pressure tended to grow lashes, lashes which were much longer and more luxuriant than possible with any other way, and after a bit of ambu laryngeal mask, the company that produced Lumigan (which was Allergan Inc.) ultimately marketed the same item under the brand name Latisse for growing eyelashes. The key selling point is that this item is approved by the FDA and is safe, which instantly scored points with many doctors and patients alike.

However Latisse (bimatoprost 0.03%), as is common with all medicines, does manifest some side effects in some people. Side effects fortunately are not frequent, and are considered mild. The most common side effect noted with Latisse application for longer eyelashes is itchiness in the eye as well as eye redness. This is likely a direct result of the contact of Latisse with the surface of the eyeball (the conjunctiva). Other side effects are darkening of wholesale medical supplies at the area of application, dry eyes, and redness of the eyelids. The most serious effect noted to date has been a darkening of the iris (the colored part of the eye). This change, although of no serious harm, tends to be permanent, but does not interfere with vision.

We can thus see that there are multiple solutions available for those who are in the need for longer eyelashes for esthetic reasons. What the customer ultimately chooses will be decided by the cost, the effort of maintenance and the advantages and disadvantages of using each solution.