San Antonio Ophthalmologists

Can Lattisse Cause Discolor of the White in Eyes?

Can Lattisse Cause Discolor of the White in Eyes?

I have used Lumigan (same as Latisse) directly on the eye for the treatment of thousands of glaucoma patients. I have not seen discoloration of the white of the eye in any of them. Some have developed darkening of the lids and peri-ocular area. This is considered a reversible side effect when the medication is discontinued. It can make the white of the eye look red, sometimes very red. This is called hyperemia. Again, this will resolve in most patients over a few weeks, but discontinuation is sometimes recommended if it bothers the patient. 

Relief Jones, III, MD

San Antonio Ophthalmologist

I've Been Using Latisse for 2 Months, is It Okay That I Switch to IDOL LASH?

I've been using Latisse for about 2 months now, and I read some reviews that after 6-7 months your eyelashes will either look horrible, or they will end up falling all out. Why is that? And, since I am using latisse for 2 months now, is it okay if I switch to IDOL LASH later on in the future?

After 2 months of using Latisse, you'll be the best judge of what your lashes look like. Are they longer, thicker, and darker? I have not seen peoples eyelashes "look horrible" or "all fall out". When used correctly, Latisse does an excellent job enhancing eyelash growth with minimal risk of side effects. I have not seen or spoken to any patients who have used Idol Lash and there are no studies comparing the two. If you do give it a try, I would love to hear how it worked for you.

Relief Jones, III, MD

San Antonio Ophthalmologist

Can I Use Latisse Instead of Lumigan for Glaucoma?

I am 46 years old and have advanced glaucoma. My doctor has prescribed Lumigan as one of my medications. I have no insurance, and I have to pay out of pocket for all my medications. I have found a foreign pharmacy that sells bimatoprost 0.03%, labeled as Latisse, for $10/bottle (versus $60-70 in U.S. pharmacies). Would it be safe and effective to use the product labeled "Latisse" in place of Lumigan for glaucoma?

The real question that is being posed is should one purchase their glaucoma medication at a deep discount from a "foreign" pharmacy? I have patients who are originally from India and Mexico and they travel to their home countries frequently. They have reported to me that they are able to obtain their medications from legitimate pharmacies at much cheaper rates when compared to the U.S. It really makes me wonder why Americans are charge so much more for the same medications (I hear that it has to do with the cost of research and development).

With that being said, it doesn't answer that question about the "foreign" pharmacy YOU are using. The medication could be legitimate, but it could be counterfeit, which is a huge, worldwide problem nowadays. Do you really want to take the chance that you are gettting nothing more than saline, or even worse, something that could harm your eyes. Glaucoma is a potentially blinding condition and requires proper treatment and continued follow-up.

Technically, Lumigan and Latisse are bimatoprost 0.03% and there is no real difference between the two (Lumigan does come in a 0.01% concentration which helps to reduce some side effects like hyperemia or red eyes). Both are designed to be used one drop every night. Lumigan is applied directly to the eye, whereas Latisse is applied to the upper lid with an applicator. Latisse samples come in 3 ml bottles and Lumigan samples come in 2.5 ml bottles, although Lumigan can be purchased in various bottle sizes.

The bottom line is that  you need to talk to your ophthalmologist about other medication options to treat your glaucoma if you are unable to afford what he or she has prescribed. Xalatan is now available as a generic in the United States. The generic name is latanoprost. You may also be able to get your doctor to sign you up for a patient assistance program that allows you to receive your medication directly from the pharmaceutical company at no cost.

Good luck.

Relief Jones, III, MD

San Antonio Ophthalmologist