And there are numerous scientific and medical journal articles out there discussing the correlation between the use of topical prostaglandin analogs and serious eye problems. These awful side effects are well known to eye doctors who treat glaucoma. Here is a great source of information about the effect of prostaglandins on the eye structure. Permanent side effects from these eye serums include constant dry eyes, eye infections, and recurrence of styes (chalazion and hordeolum) on the exterior and interior eyelids. People using eyelash growth serums are at risk for developing a condition called Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a term used to describe a group of disorders, both congenital and acquired, linked by functional abnormalities of the meibomian glands. In addition to eyelid discoloration and iris pigmentation (mostly impacting light-colored eyes), prostaglandin analogs are known to cause permanent blockage of meibomian glands which are responsible for secreting important oils that help clean and moisturize the eyes. Unfortunately, prostaglandin analogs are known to cause serious and permanent eye problems. Isopropyl Cloprostenate is a synthetic prostaglandin analog that is used in many over-the-counter lash growth serums. Thus, Isopropyl Cloprostenate was discovered to be as effective as bimatoprost at extending natural eyelashes. This seemingly miraculous discovery had a great commercial opportunity because there are millions of people that want amazing looking eyelashes that are their own.Īfter Latisse came out, other cosmetic manufacturers began researching alternative prostaglandins that they could put in their own eyelash growth serums to compete with Latisse and give more options for customers desiring the long-lash effect. In treating the eye disease with prostaglandins, scientists noticed that an unintended result of using prostaglandins, such as bimatoprost, caused the users’ eyelashes to grow and darken. Bimatoprost is a prostaglandin analog that was discovered to cause eyelash growth as a side effect to its originally intended use which was to treat glaucoma.
Latisse can only be purchased through a prescription from your doctor because it contains an ingredient considered to be a drug by the FDA called bimatoprost. You have probably seen advertisements for a product called Latisse (formally Allergan, now an AbbVie brand) which is a prescription lash growing serum. I think that I am naturally pulled towards this area of law because I am personally interested in the latest products and procedures that can keep me looking young! So, her situation was exactly the type of case that we love to do at LOU LAW and she was the perfect client to help. Over the years, I have been focusing my practice on representing clients who suffered injuries from all kinds of botched cosmetic procedures. I knew immediately that she needed an attorney that is not only good but one that cares about cosmetic injury cases. After doing some research and speaking with her, I was shocked to find out that the manufacturers of many of these eyelash growth serums do not disclose the real possibility of developing permanent eye injuries after using their products. Several months ago, I had a young woman email me with a nightmare story about how one of these serums, manufactured by a very popular over-the-counter cosmetics brand caused her to suffer permanent eye injuries.
Unfortunately, the same ingredients that make your eyelashes grow can also cause serious and permanent eye problems. You may even have friends that have used these products, resulting in truly a miraculous effect. There are many eyelash growth serums currently on the market that promise to grow your lashes and make them appear darker and more beautiful.