The Eye Health Blog tag:www.healthdiaries.com,2009:/eyes/375 2008-12-09T10:13:00Z Movable Type 3.33 Eyelash Thickening Drug Latisse May Be Approved tag:www.healthdiaries.com,2008:/eyes//375.7471 2008-12-09T09:54:58Z 2008-12-09T10:13:00Z An FDA advisory panel has given the thumbs up to Latisse, an eyelash thickening drug. An FDA advisory panel has given the thumbs up to a new drug, Latisse, that helps people grow fuller, darker eyelashes. Latisse was created after its maker, Allergan, Inc, discovered that eyelash growth was a side effect of its glaucoma drug, Lumigan. They decided to do a study on the drug's effect on eyelashes.

In that study, 137 people used Latisse and 141 people used a placebo solution for 16 weeks. The result: Thicker, longer, darker eyelashes were more common by the end of the study in the Latisse group. And people in the Latisse group reported more satisfaction with their lashes than people who used the placebo.

Unlike Lumigan, Latisse is not placed directly in the eye and may therefore not have the same side effects. Side effects of Lumigan include possible eye redness, darkening of the eyelid skin, and darkening of the iris.

If the FDA takes the panel's recommendation and approves the drug, it could be available by prescription in 2009.

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]]> Contact Lens Cases Often Contaminated tag:www.healthdiaries.com,2008:/eyes//375.7472 2008-11-28T21:16:48Z 2008-12-09T11:22:14Z Researches have found that contact lens cases are often contaminated with pathogens that may cause serious eye infection. A new study has found that contact lens cases are often contaminated with pathogens that may cause serious eye infection.

Pathogens were found in all the types of storage solutions examined in the study, and some of the solutions tested positive for pathogens every time they were tested. These pathogens can cause keratitis, an often painful inflammation of the cornea. Complications from keratitis can lead to vision loss.

Researchers recommend replacing contact lens cases on a regular basis and making sure to maintain good contact lens cleaning practices.

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