Medication That Grows Long Lashes | ABC30 Fresno

kfsn

By ABC30

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Fresno, CA Terry Parkerson and Rita Weser are friends and co-workers at a North Fresno medical office. The busy moms and grandmothers are treating themselves to a beauty boost after suffering from eyelash envy ... for most of their lives.

So that's why the women couldn't believe their eyes when they saw what promised to be an end to their longing for lashes. You've probably seen the ad campaign for Latisse, featuring a famous face.

Latisse promises to grow, longer, thicker, fuller lashes in as little as four weeks with full results between eight to 16 weeks

Dr. Erik Poulsen at Insight Vision Center in North Fresno is one of many Valley doctors who prescribe Latisse to patients.

He says Latisse has the same ingredient, called bimataprost that's already widely used as an FDA approved, glaucoma medication.

Doctors discovered a side effect of that medication left patients with long, thick eyelashes so it was just a matter of time before the drug maker; Allergan repackaged it for cosmetic purposes.

Since Latisse is only applied on the eyelid surface ... and not directly in the eye, doctors say side effects are rare but can include: Eye redness, darkening of the under-eye area and in very few cases of patients with light eyes ... darkening of the actual eye. But since it is a medication ... a doctor's prescription is needed.

Rita and Terry can't wait to start. Sterile applicators are designated for each eye and one drop is all that's needed, once a day for at least four weeks.

Fresno ophthalmologist, Dr. Azhar Salahuddin says more of his patients ask about eye health and now, their eye lashes.

The doctor says, most people with healthy eyes can use Latisse but it isn't for everyone. And there's also the cost to consider.

We checked the price of Latisse throughout the Valley and the cost can range from about $72 up to $150 depending on where you get it for a four week kit. But for women like Rita and Terry that cost is worth it compared to all the time and money they spend on tools and mascaras, trying to make their skimpy lashes into fluttery fringes.

Both women say they've seen results ... in the blink of an eye.

Fresno doctors say you don't necessarily need to see an eye doctor for a "Latisse" prescription. Any licensed medical practitioner can prescribe the eye-lash formula.