title: Effects of LATISSE (bimatoprost 0.03 per cent topical solution) on the ocular surface.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  LATISSE is marketed for the treatment of hypotrichosis (loss of eyelashes), using a prostamide analogue and preserved with benzalkonium chloride, which is an effective preservative; however, it also causes irritation to the ocular surface. LATISSE is applied to the lid margin; however, with the blink, some solution may fall onto the ocular surface. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of LATISSE on the ocular surface over two months.
  
  
  METHODS
  Non-dry eye participants interested in eyelash lengthening were invited to a prospective uncontrolled, open-label clinical study using LATISSE for two months. Eyelash length, subjective symptoms, tear film stability, osmolarity, ocular redness and intraocular pressure were evaluated at baseline (T0) and at one (T1) and two months (T2).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-eight women (ages 18 to 29) entered the study. Fifteen completed the study with five who discontinued due to burning upon instillation and eight were lost to follow-up. Average eyelash length increased at each time (p < 0.001). Dryness, burning and grittiness remained low (less than 25/100) throughout the trial with dryness showing a significant change between T0 and T1 (p = 0.04), but not between T1 and T2 (p > 0.05). No difference (p > 0.05) was noted for the non-invasive break-up time, photochromametry or tear osmolarity. Intraocular pressure showed a decrease with time but translated to only a one to two mmHg change, which was not clinically relevant.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  LATISSE increases eyelash length within a short time (less than two months). Patients seeking eyelash enhancement options should be educated as to the use, precautions and any secondary effects, including the potential for discomfort upon instillation.
authors.affiliation: École d'optométrie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
authors.forename: Etty
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bitton
authors.affiliation: École d'optométrie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
authors.forename: Claudine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Courey
authors.affiliation: Private Practitioner, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
authors.forename: Pamela
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Giancola
authors.affiliation: École d'optométrie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
authors.forename: Vasile
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Diaconu
authors.affiliation: École d'optométrie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
authors.forename: Jack
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wise
authors.affiliation: École d'optométrie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
authors.forename: Walter
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Wittich
mesh_terms: D060433:Administration, Ophthalmic; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000069580:Bimatoprost / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D015352:Dry Eye Syndromes / Q000139:chemically induced; D058447:Eye Pain / Q000139:chemically induced; D005140:Eyelashes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007039:Hypotrichosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013666:Tears / Q000737:chemistry; D014065:Tonometry, Ocular; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000187:drug effects; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D000069580:Bimatoprost
keywords: 
  LATISSE
  ; benzalkonium chloride (BAK); bimatoprost; eyelash enhancement