Xalatan for Eyelash Growth

Xalatan is a prescription medication used to relieve high eye pressure. The medicine comes in eye drop form. When used correctly, it unclogs the drainage channels in eyes, decreasing eye pressure which can lead to glaucoma. Besides saving eyes from vision loss, Xalatan has been shown to increase eyelash growth.

History

Xalatan is used to treat high eye pressure, which can result in glycoma. It is considered one of the most highly prescribed medications for high eye pressure. Although side effects are usually considered to be a dangerous thing, Xalatan was discovered to have a side effect that is highly sought-after in the beauty industry.

Latanoprost

Latanoprost is the ingredient in Xalatan which has shown to cause the increased growth of eyelashes. In 1997 it was discovered that latanoprost stimulated hair growth. Hypertrichosis--hair density that is higher than the norm--was observed on the upper and lower lashes of eyes in which Xalatan was used.

Side Effects

Some eyelashes react to Xalatan by growing longer and some lashes increase in number. Other possible reactions are darkening, curving and thickening of the lashes. In some instances, all of these changes occur. One study showed the effect of Xalatan on a woman who had no eyelashes; after two months of using the eye drops, a full set of eyelashes had grown in.

How It Works

Eyelash hairs contain PG receptors. When Latanoprost is applied to the lashes, it causes a synthesis of the PG receptors. When synthesized, the PG receptors stimulate the hair follicles.

Dangers of Xalatan

Although Xalatan has a positive side effect, it also contains some dangerous effects. Xalatan can darken the eye as well as permanently change the eye color. Other side effects are blurred vision, burning, stinging and itching.

References

• Xalatan
• Dermatology

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish