If you're like me, you expect real change to take some effort. If you have virtually no eyelashes, you expect to spend some time affixing falsies or extensions. And you're going to have to spend time locating and applying some really good mascara, because nothing but nothing is going to make those little stubs grow on their own, right? Wrong! It turns out there are some off-label prescription medications that can give you to-die-for lashes of your own. That's right -- products that can make eyelashes grow longer, thicker, and darker.

The chemical responsible for this effect is called a prostaglandin analog. It is found in three commonly prescribed glaucoma eye-drop medications that are used to reduce pressure inside the eye: Xalatan, Travatan and Lumigan. A recently discovered side effect is that these drops also increase the growth cycle of the hair follicles in eye lashes.

Not every patient who uses Lumigan or the other prostaglandin analogs experience eyelash growth (or hypertrichosis, to use the medical term), but so many experience it that it's considered a common side effect. And while the drug has a long history of safety, there are some potential side effects that may or may not be desired, including darkening of skin, lashes and eye color. This color change does not occur as commonly in very light blue or very dark brown eyes. But in hazel-colored eyes, any of the three prostaglandin analog drugs has the potential to darken the iris color. And the change is permanent.

There are rarer, more serious potential side effects as well.

While some cosmetic surgeons, plastic surgeons and dermatologists are now prescribing Lumigan for eyelash growth, many say that an eye exam should be done before any prostaglandins are prescribed, and that some people should not use them at all. This includes individuals with previous eye inflammation or inflamed retinas after recent cataract surgery.

Now Available Without a Prescription

Can't find a doc to prescribe Lumigan for you? Believe it or not, there's yet another way to get your own longer, thicker, darker lashes, and this one is available without a prescription. Jan Marini Skin Research has recently come out with what they call an Age Intervention Eyelash Conditioner. It seems to contain a lower dose of a chemical related to Lumigan and the others, and it's attracting some A-list fans.

According to San Franciso opthalomologist, Andrew Iwach, Marini's eyelash conditioner is chemically related to the glaucoma drugs, and that on the list of ingredients is "a formula very similar to travopost, a prostaglandin analog."

Dr. Joel Schlessinger, president of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery, raves about this product. And Marini spokesperson Mark Marinovich says he isn't surprised. He calls it the most popular product in the whole beauty industry, telling me that more than 5,000 doctors are now selling it to their patients.

Marinovich went on to tell me that the eyelash conditioner is a hot item in Hollywood, and that enthusiasts include Naomi Watts, Cher, Marissa Coughlin, and Rachel Ray.

What's Up with This Name?

It's a little hard to figure out why this company calls the product an eyelash conditioner. Why are they holding back if this is the real thing, the non-prescription equivalent of the amazing Lumigan? And yet the company web site unequivocally states that "Age Intervention Eyelash Conditioner is not intended to stop, prevent, cure, relieve, reverse or reduce eyelash loss or to promote the growth of eyelashes." There are more disclaimers and caveats in the product description than there are promotional statements.

Jan Marini's testimonials tell a different story. Boston plastic surgeon Martin Weiss said, "We introduced Age Intervention Eyelash Conditioner to our office staff after seeing it advertised in a plastic surgery journal. After trying it for two weeks we all noted that our eyelashes appeared significantly denser and fuller. It was remarkable! The nurse in our office now has lush-looking lashes on both her upper and lower lids. Our other employees also raved about their results."

Dr. Cooperrider at the Laser Treatment Center in Kirkland, Washington reports that "all of my staff are using it and feel great recommending it to our patients because of the incredible lashes they all now have!"

Marini spokesman Mark Marinovich claims that the Age Intervention Eyelash Conditioner is superior to Lumigan because it produces more even growth across the eyelid. I'm guessing that this claim has its basis in the fact that it comes with an applicator that gives a nice smooth application. Nothing like that comes with Lumigan, of course. It's designed to combat glaucoma, after all. So if that's what you choose, you'll likely depend on Q-tips to apply it to the lash area.

Think Before You Leap

It's a good idea to see your eye doctor before deciding on either the prescription or nonprescription use of prostaglandin analogs. A full exam can give you a better idea of why your lashes are less than full, and may help with vision, screen for glaucoma, and provide several other benefits - not to mention screening for conditions that may mean that you're not a good candidate for using these chemicals around your eyes.

It seems that both Lumigan and Marini's eyelash conditioner work better for some people than others. There are possible side effects to Lumigan. And Marini's spokesperson admits that there's always the potential for reactions there too, even though concentrations may be lower than in the prescription versions.

Want Mascara?

Marini Skincare Research also sells a product called Masses of Lashes Performance Mascara that combines the chemicals in the eyelash conditioner with mascara.

Pony Up

Lumigan costs more than $100 per bottle. At more than $125 per tube, the Age Intervention Eyelash Conditioner isn't cheap either. But wait a minute. There is nothing I can think of to compare this to. For a product that just may give a woman her own real set of lustrous lashes, maybe for the first time in her life, these products may well be worth the money - each and every day.