What Are Potential Latisse Side Effects?

Latisse is only
available via prescription after a physician has learned of your ocular
history. Therefore, complications with Latisse are relatively few, although
Latisse itself is not a risk-free product.

Some common
issues include: blurred vision; dry eyes; eye swelling (edema);
hypersensitivity; ocular irritation; rash; skin discoloration; and temporary
loss of some eyelashes and/or eyelash breakage. It is important to note that
since most of these symptoms were learned of after Latisse had been debuted on
the market; therefore, it is unknown precisely how many Latisse users suffer
from these symptoms. However, most of my patients have used Latisse without
issue.

While less
common, some patients have been known to develop the following after using
Latisse: discoloration of soft contact lenses; infection of the eye/ocular area
due to a contaminated applicator brush; fluctuations in intraocular pressure;
intraocular inflammation; hair growth outside of the treatment area;
discoloration of the eyelids; and iris discoloration.

Since patients
can only receive Latisse via prescription after discussing their ocular health
with a doctor, it is unlikely that most patients will develop any of these
adverse effects, at least for a prolonged period of time. If any adverse
effects do occur, most are resolved shortly after discontinuing use of Latisse.

Side effects from Latisse, if they do are occur, are usually mild and resolve after you discontinue using the product. Some of these side effects include redness, irritation, skin darkening along the lash line, hair growth on surrounding areas, and itching. One side effect that tends to cause some concern with patients with light colored eyes is the possibility of darkening of the iris. This side effect is extremely rare and seems to occur only when multiple drops are placed directly into the eye, which should never be done.  Fortunately, after several years and hundreds of happy patients, we have never seen this happen. 

It’s unusual to see complications following the use of
Latisse. Fortunately, when complications
do occur they tend to be self-limited.Common complications include eye irritation, eye redness, eyelid itching
and eyelid hyperpigmentation.These
usually resolve when Latisse is discontinued.In
patients with light colored irises Latisse can rarely change the iris color to
brown.Unfortunately, this is probably a
permanent change.If any of these problems
occur it’s important to notify your physician as soon as possible.