An Ophthalmologist's View: Is LATISSE Safe for Eyes?

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

LATISSE® (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.03% is the first and only FDA-approved treatment for eyelash hypotrichosis (inadequate lashes) [1.2.1, 1.5.5]. But is LATISSE safe for eyes, given that its active ingredient was originally for glaucoma treatment? [1.2.4]

Quick Summary

LATISSE is an FDA-approved prescription treatment proven to grow eyelashes longer, fuller, and darker. While generally safe, potential side effects include eye redness, itching, eyelid skin darkening, and, rarely, permanent iris color change.

Key Points

Prescription Only: LATISSE requires a doctor's prescription as it's an FDA-approved medication, not a cosmetic [1.2.2].
Glaucoma Drug Origins: The active ingredient, bimatoprost, was first used to treat glaucoma, with eyelash growth as a noted side effect [1.2.4, 1.5.1].
Common Side Effects: The most common side effects are temporary and include eye itching, redness, and reversible darkening of the eyelid skin [1.3.1, 1.3.2].
Permanent Iris Darkening: A rare but possible side effect is the permanent darkening of the iris (the colored part of the eye), especially in hazel or green eyes [1.8.3, 1.10.2].
Orbital Fat Loss Risk: Long-term use of prostaglandin analogs can lead to fat loss around the eyes, creating a sunken look, which may be permanent [1.2.4, 1.6.5].
Proper Application is Crucial: Risks are minimized by applying it only to the base of the upper eyelashes with the provided sterile applicator [1.7.5, 1.8.5].
Results Are Not Permanent: If you stop using LATISSE, your eyelashes will gradually return to their original appearance over several weeks to months [1.5.5, 1.10.2].

From Glaucoma Treatment to Cosmetic Enhancement

LATISSE has a unique history. Its active ingredient, bimatoprost, was first used in an Allergan eye drop called LUMIGAN, developed in 2001 to treat elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma patients [1.5.1, 1.5.5]. An interesting side effect was observed: patients began growing longer, fuller, and darker eyelashes [1.5.1]. This discovery prompted Allergan to study bimatoprost specifically for eyelash growth, leading to the FDA's approval of LATISSE for treating eyelash hypotrichosis in December 2008 [1.5.4, 1.5.5].

Bimatoprost is a synthetic prostaglandin analog, which mimics natural chemicals in the body [1.2.3, 1.3.1]. While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, it's believed to extend the anagen (growth) phase of the eyelash hair cycle and increase the number of hairs in this phase [1.4.5, 1.5.5]. This results in enhanced eyelash length, thickness, and darkness over time [1.2.3].

Understanding the Potential Side Effects

When considering if LATISSE is safe for eyes, it is crucial to understand its potential side effects. Because it is applied to the upper eyelid margin and not directly into the eye, the exposure is only about 5% of the dose used for glaucoma treatment [1.2.4].

Common and Reversible Side Effects

The most frequently reported adverse reactions are generally mild and occur in less than 4% of patients [1.3.1]. These side effects often resolve after discontinuing the product [1.2.4, 1.8.3].

Eye Itching and Redness: The most common side effects are eye pruritus (itching) and conjunctival hyperemia (redness) [1.3.1].
Eyelid Skin Darkening (Hyperpigmentation): LATISSE can cause the skin of the eyelid where it is applied to darken. This is because it can make pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) more active [1.2.5]. This effect is often reversible and may fade over weeks to months after stopping the medication [1.2.5, 1.10.2].
Dry Eyes and Irritation: Some users may experience dry eye symptoms or general eye irritation [1.3.1]. This may be related to the preservative benzalkonium chloride (BAK) found in the solution [1.8.3].
Unwanted Hair Growth: If the solution frequently touches other areas of the skin, it can cause hair to grow there. It is important to blot any excess solution [1.2.5, 1.8.5].

Serious and Potentially Permanent Side Effects

While rare, there are more significant risks to be aware of. Consulting with a doctor is essential to weigh these risks.

Iris Color Change: Bimatoprost can cause increased brown pigmentation in the colored part of the eye (iris), which can be permanent [1.3.1, 1.8.1]. This means it will not reverse even after stopping treatment [1.10.2]. The change happens slowly over months or years and is more likely to affect people with mixed-color or hazel eyes [1.3.5, 1.10.1].
Periorbital Fat Atrophy: Prostaglandin analogues have been associated with a loss of fat around the eyes, which can create a sunken or hollowed-out appearance [1.2.4, 1.6.5]. This effect may be permanent in some cases, though it often reverses after stopping the product [1.2.4, 1.9.1].
Intraocular Inflammation: The medication can cause or worsen eye inflammation (like uveitis) in those who are already susceptible [1.3.4, 1.8.4].

Safe Application and Contraindications

Proper application is key to minimizing risks. Always use the sterile, single-use applicators provided, applying one drop per applicator to the base of the upper eyelashes only [1.2.4, 1.7.5]. Do not apply it to the lower lash line [1.7.3, 1.8.5].

LATISSE is not for everyone. You should use it only under a doctor's care, especially if you have pre-existing eye conditions like glaucoma, uveitis, macular edema, or are taking other medications for eye pressure [1.7.2, 1.7.3]. People who are pregnant, nursing, or under 18 should not use LATISSE [1.3.4].

LATISSE vs. Other Eyelash Serums

How does LATISSE compare to the many over-the-counter (OTC) options?


Feature	LATISSE	Over-the-Counter (OTC) Serums
Regulation	FDA-approved prescription drug [1.2.4]	Marketed as cosmetics, not FDA-approved for growth [1.6.5]
Active Ingredient	Bimatoprost (a prostaglandin analog) [1.2.3]	Peptides, vitamins, botanical extracts, or non-bimatoprost prostaglandin analogs [1.6.4, 1.6.5]
Mechanism	Clinically proven to stimulate new hair growth and extend the growth cycle [1.5.5, 1.6.4]	Primarily condition, strengthen, and nourish existing lashes; may not stimulate growth [1.6.4]
Efficacy	Results are clinically proven and significant for most users [1.3.5, 1.6.4]	Results vary widely and have less clinical data supporting them [1.6.4]
Potential Risks	Known side effects including redness, skin darkening, and rare but permanent iris color change and fat loss [1.3.4, 1.8.2]	Can still cause irritation; some contain prostaglandin analogs with similar (but unregulated) risks [1.6.5]

Conclusion: A Calculated Decision

So, is LATISSE safe for eyes? For most people, it is a safe and effective treatment when used correctly under medical supervision [1.2.4, 1.3.5]. Its FDA approval means it has undergone rigorous testing for both safety and efficacy, a key distinction from OTC serums [1.6.4]. However, the potential for side effects, including the rare but permanent changes to eye color and orbital fat, is real [1.8.1, 1.9.1]. The decision to use LATISSE should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider who can assess your personal health history and help you weigh the cosmetic benefits against the potential risks.

For more information, you can visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology's page on LATISSE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, although uncommon, LATISSE can cause increased brown pigment in the iris (colored part of the eye). This change is likely to be permanent and may not reverse even after you stop using the product [1.8.1, 1.10.2].

If you stop using LATISSE, your eyelashes are expected to gradually return to their previous appearance over several weeks to months. The growth is not permanent [1.5.5].

They both contain the same active ingredient, bimatoprost, but have different approved uses and concentrations. LUMIGAN is an eye drop used to treat glaucoma, while LATISSE is a solution applied to the eyelid margin for eyelash growth [1.2.5, 1.4.5].

Yes, but you must remove your contact lenses before applying LATISSE. You can reinsert them 15 minutes after application. The preservative in LATISSE can be absorbed by soft contact lenses [1.3.1, 1.7.2].

The most common side effects, occurring in less than 4% of users, are eye itching (pruritus), eye redness (hyperemia), and darkening of the eyelid skin at the application site [1.3.1].

You may start to see changes in length in as little as two months, with full, remarkable results typically visible at 16 weeks of consistent nightly use [1.2.4, 1.5.5].

OTC serums are regulated as cosmetics, not drugs, and haven't undergone the same FDA testing for safety and efficacy as LATISSE [1.6.4, 1.6.5]. While some may have fewer risks, others contain unregulated prostaglandin analogs that can cause similar side effects to LATISSE [1.6.5].

You should not use LATISSE if you are pregnant, nursing, under 18, or have certain eye problems like uveitis or macular edema. People using medications for eye pressure should only use LATISSE under close doctor supervision [1.3.4, 1.7.2, 1.7.3].