WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF USING A PROSTAGLANDIN LASH SERUM LIKE LATISSE AND ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS PERMANENT?

 

Many patients ask about prostaglandin lash serums and their safety. I always discuss the unwanted ocular side effects when weighing benefits and risks before my patient starts a lash serum. Latisse® and similar treatments offer dramatic lash growth but come with trade offs.

How Prostaglandin Lash Serums Like Latisse® Work

 

Mechanism of Action

Prostaglandin analogs extend the growth phase of lash follicles. They boost length and volume over weeks. This popular LASH SERUM uses bimatoprost (originally a glaucoma medication) to achieve this effect.

 

 

 

 

Temporary Side Effects

 

Redness and Irritation

Some users experience mild redness or itching around the eyelids. These unwanted ocular side effects usually resolve when you pause treatment. If my patient has dry eyes, meibomian gland dysfunction or any ocular surface disease - this very likely side effect of prostaglandin analog type lash serums prohibits use.

 

Darkening of Eyelids

Skin pigmentation around the lash base can deepen. It often fades after discontinuing use but may linger in some individuals. If my patient is fair skinned, this likely side effect will prohibit use.

 

Eye Swelling

Occasional swelling of the eyelid margin or surrounding area has been reported. It tends to subside within days of stopping the serum. This is pretty common and can wax and wane. I'm not sure why this happens but I believe it's a type of allergy response to the active ingredient or preservatives in the lash serum.

 

 

 

 

Permanent Side Effects

 

Iris Darkening

The most concerning irreversible change is iris darkening. This unwanted ocular side effect can alter eye color over months. The degree of change varies by patient and may not be uniform across both eyes. My patients with blue and hazel eyes, I prohibit use of this type of lash serum.

 

 

 

Other Potential Unwanted Ocular Side Effects

 

Conjunctival Hyperemia

Redness of the white part of the eye can occur. It reflects increased blood flow in the conjunctiva.

 

Iris Cysts

In rare cases, small cysts form within the iris tissue. They require monitoring and possible intervention.

 

Periocular Skin Pigmentation

Melanin production can increase around the eyes. Dark rings or patches may develop and persist.

 

Orbital Fat Loss

This effect can lead to loss of fat volume around the eyes causing that hallowing, sunken, older age appearance. Usually goes away with discontinuing the lash serum, but I've had patients where the loss of orbital fat loss looks permanent to them. I think this is the worst ocular side effect. 

 

 

Managing and Monitoring Side Effects

 

Not Everyone Experiences Them

Side effects affect only a subset of users. Severity and duration differ widely from person to person.

 

Discontinuation

Most temporary effects subside after stopping the serum. Keep track of any changes so you can report them to your optometrist.

 

Consult Your Eye Care Professional

Always take before photos with your ECP. If side effects become bothersome or persistent, check in with your ECP. Early assessment can prevent complications. Prostaglandin analog type lash serums are certainly not for everyone. 

 

 

 

Prostaglandin lash serums deliver amazing, fast results, but carry a risk of unwanted ocular side effects.

Temporary redness or eyelid darkening often resolves. Iris color change is permanent and unpredictable. Before starting treatment, discuss benefits and risks with your optometrist.

 

 

Hi, I’m Dr. Tanya Gill, optometrist and founder of We Love Eyes. I started We Love Eyes in 2014 while trying to help one of my (stubborn) patients with contact lens discomfort. In 2016, I had 3 products. Fast forward to today – We Love Eyes has almost 30 SKUs. It’s been an amazing journey. Explore my life’s work at weloveeyes.com. Check out the GOT AN EYE PROBLEM section to discover my cleansing systems. I also have a ton of content at TIKTOK. See the profile page and see the playlist LASH SERUMS & LASH LOSS, xo

 

 

 

 

SOME OF MY OTHER BLOGS ON LASH SERUMS:

How to Spot Prostaglandin Analogues in Your Eyelash Serum: A Simple Guide by Dr. Tanya Gill, Optometrist - here

Can Eyelash Serum Cause Posterior Blepharitis? Tips to Protect Your Eyes - here

How to Manage MGD from LASH SERUM & Switch Safely to Lashfull Thinking - here

How to Grow and Strengthen your Eyelashes and Eyebrows the We Love Eyes Way : Which Lash Serum is Best When You Have Dry Eyes MGD - here

 

 

 

• prostaglandin lash serum
• unwanted ocular side effects
• Latisse side effects
• eyelid pigmentation
• iris darkening
• conjunctival hyperemia
• prostaglandin analog risks
• eyelash serum complications
• optometrist advice
• eyelid health practices