Lumigan Eyelash Enhancer

Some of us, like myself, weren't born with those long-lashed "Betty Davis' eyes." No need to worry; that's where Lumigan comes in. Commonly used as a treatment for glaucoma, the prescription drops are now being used to make eyelashes longer.

Ironically, the long lashes are listed as a side effect of the drug. Lumigan actually increases the growth cycle of the eyelashes, causing noticeable growth within days of initiating use. Doctors like Nancy G. Swartz, MD, MS, FACS, a Philadelphia ophthalmologist and cosmetic eye surgeon, are using this side effect to their patients' advantage. "Great results; I haven't had anyone start this drop who hasn't been ecstatic," said Dr. Swartz in a February interview on 6 ABC. Dr. Swartz became an advocate for Lumigan after she began using the drops on her own lashes. She was so impressed with the results that she started prescribing the drug to her patients who desired longer, thicker, darker lashes.

However, not every doctor is a proponent of Lumigan. Constance Okeke, MD, of the University of Pennsylvania Sheie Eye Institute in Philadelphia, appeared on the same broadcast explaining that prolonged use of the medicine can cause redness, dryness, change in eye color, and excess eye fluid that can distort vision.

The drops are also not recommended for people who have had previous eye inflammation, cataract surgery or uveitis, inflammation of the uvea. The medicine is contraindicated for those who are pregnant or who are allergic to benzalkonium chloride. To minimize these side effects, Dr. Swartz advises her patients to apply the drops to the actual eyelash with a Q-tip as opposed to administering it directly into the eye.

However, some women pay no mind to the risks because they consider it a better option than using false eyelashes. With false eyelashes, the woman has to glue the lashes on, a process that takes twice as long to do than applying the Lumigan. Once on, the lashes must then be tweaked by cutting or curling them. To further complicate matters, some women end up pulling their own lashes out when removing the false lashes at the end of the day.

It is for these reasons, Dr. Swartz is confident many women will prefer Lumigan. According to the doctor, her presentation on the new use of this drug was well received by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery meeting back in January. Perhaps this is a sign that other doctors will start using Lumigan on their patients. That is, if they are prepared for the expense. Depending on the size of the bottle, Lumigan can cost patients anywhere between $70 to $200. For some, that is a small price to pay for growing their own beautiful lashes.