Lumigan vs. Latisse – Comparing Eye Drops

David Fuller

Last Updated On: June 15, 2024

Healthcare professionals are now using eye drops for beauty as they can promote enhanced eyelash growth, becoming a cosmetic staple. A study revealed that while eye drops are initially designed to treat glaucoma, they can lead to longer, thicker lashes, sparking a trend in their off-label use for cosmetic purposes.

Lumigan and Latisse are two eye drops that can cosmetically utilize bimatoprost to enhance a person’s eyelashes for a fuller, more captivating look. Their efficacy and safety profiles make them stand out among other options in the market.

This article will thoroughly compare Lumigan and Latisse, examining their efficacy, safety, and cosmetic appeal.

Key Takeaways

• Lumigan and Latisse are medications containing Bimatoprost but are used for different indications.
• Lumigan is primarily used for reducing intraocular pressure in glaucoma and ocular hypertension, while Latisse promotes eyelash growth.
• Both medications have distinct mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety profiles.
• Understanding the differences between Lumigan and Latisse is crucial for medical professionals to guide their patients effectively.

About: Operating since 2016, Med Supply Solutions is known for being one of the industry’s top and trusted suppliers of cosmetic and viscosupplementation products. If you’re looking to buy Lumigan online, contact our sales department for more information.

Understanding Lumigan and Latisse

Lumigan and Latisse are distinct eye solutions with specific roles in eye care. Lumigan (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) is primarily used to treat elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in individuals with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. By reducing IOP, Lumigan helps prevent optic nerve damage and potential vision loss associated with these conditions. Lumigan for eyelashes works by increasing the outflow of aqueous humor, the fluid inside the eye. 

Besides its primary use, Lumigan has also been found to promote eyelash growth, leading to its off-label use for enhancing eyelashes. The active ingredient, bimatoprost, stimulates the growth phase of the eyelash hair cycle, resulting in longer, thicker, and darker lashes over time.

On the other hand, Latisse is an FDA-approved treatment specifically designed to enhance the growth of eyelashes. Like Lumigan, Latisse contains bimatoprost as its active ingredient. Initially discovered through the use of Lumigan for glaucoma patients, the eyelash growth side effect led to the development of Latisse as a cosmetic treatment.

Latisse is applied to the base of the upper eyelashes using a sterile applicator once daily. Over several weeks, users typically notice significant improvements in eyelash length, thickness, and darkness. Latisse is widely recognized for its effectiveness and is the only prescription treatment approved by the FDA for eyelash growth.

Mechanism of Action

Lumigan works by mimicking the effects of naturally occurring prostaglandins, which help to increase the outflow of aqueous humor, the fluid within the eye. This increased outflow reduces the IOP, thereby lowering the risk of optic nerve damage and vision loss associated with high eye pressure.

As for how it affects eyelash growth, Lumigan’s active ingredient (bimatoprost) extends the growth phase of the hair cycle and increases the number of hairs produced during this phase, resulting in longer, thicker, and darker eyelashes. 

Conversely, Latisse directly targets eyelash enhancement. Operating on the eyelash growth cycle prolongs the growth phase, resulting in longer, thicker lashes. Additionally, Latisse encourages the growth of more lashes over time, enhancing their darkness and thickness. 

The treatment requires consistent, daily application, and users typically start to see noticeable results within 8 weeks, with full results usually visible after 16 weeks. Latisse’s efficacy as an eyelash growth treatment is attributed to its ability to enhance the natural growth process of eyelashes.

Primary Uses of Lumigan and Latisse

Lumigan effectively lowers high eye pressure, which is crucial for preventing glaucoma-related vision loss by enhancing fluid drainage from the eye. Studies affirm its long-term safety and efficacy for glaucoma and high intraocular pressure management. Despite its benefits, some users may experience slow, permanent changes in eye color. 

Latisse, born from Lumigan’s unexpected side effect of promoting eyelash growth, offers a targeted solution for lash enhancement. Its active ingredient extends the lash growth phase, resulting in longer, fuller lashes. 

Safe and easy to use, Latisse delivers noticeable results with consistent nightly application, typically within weeks. However, users should remain mindful of potential side effects such as itchy eyes or rare darkening of iris color, weighing these factors alongside its cosmetic advantages.

Efficacy and Safety Profiles

Studies show Lumigan and Latisse work well, but side effects are possible. People using these drugs share their stories, adding to what researchers find. Delving into the clinical trials for Lumigan reveals a landscape marked by significant findings related to its efficacy in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Doctors and patients have shared stories about using Lumigan and Latisse. They say Lumigan eye drops for glaucoma help lower eye pressure. Some people notice their eye color changes with long-term use, though.

Image courtesy of ResearchGate

On the other hand, those using Latisse see their eyelashes grow thicker and longer over weeks of treatment. Feedback from users also shows some side effects like red eyes or itchy feelings around the eyes. However, many agree that the results can be worth these minor issues.

Image courtesy of The Skin Clinic

In practice, both medicines do what they’re supposed to – Lumigan fights glaucoma by reducing intraocular pressure, and Latisse promotes lush eyelash growth for those who want a fuller look.

Practical Considerations for Lumigan and Latisse

For Lumigan’s dosing schedule, patients can apply one drop to the affected eye(s) once daily in the evening. Consistency in dosing time is important to maintain effective intraocular pressure control. Latisse is also applied once daily in the evening but directly to the base of the upper eyelashes. Consistent daily application will help patients achieve optimal results in eyelash growth.

Application Methods

• Lumigan: Tilt the head back slightly and pull down the lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Apply one drop into the pocket without letting the dropper touch the eye or eyelid. Once done, close the eye gently and apply light pressure to the inner corner of the eye for 1-2 minutes to prevent the solution from draining into the tear duct.
• Latisse: Remove contact lenses and makeup before application. Place one drop of Latisse on the applicator brush using the provided sterile applicator. Apply the solution evenly along the upper eyelid margin’s skin at the eyelashes’ base. Blot any excess solution beyond the eyelid margin with a tissue or cotton swab. Dispose of the applicator after use and use a new one for each eye to avoid contamination.

Patient Preferences and Considerations

Patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension primarily use Lumigan. However, users should be aware of potential side effects, such as eye redness, itching, or changes in eye color. This treatment requires careful administration to avoid contamination and ensure effectiveness.

As for Latisse, it is preferred by individuals seeking cosmetic enhancement of their eyelashes. Similar to Lumigan, users should be informed about potential side effects, including eye irritation, darkening of the eyelid skin, and possible changes in their eye color. Before getting these eye drops, they must first consult with a healthcare provider to discuss any underlying eye conditions or potential drug interactions.

Conclusion

Lumigan and Latisse, both containing Bimatoprost, serve distinct purposes in the field of ophthalmology. While Lumigan is utilized for its therapeutic effects in reducing intraocular pressure, Latisse is sought after for its cosmetic enhancement of eyelashes.

Understanding the mechanisms of action, primary uses, efficacy, safety profiles, and practical considerations of these medications is crucial for medical professionals in guiding their patients toward the most appropriate treatment option.

FAQs

1. Lumigan vs. Latisse: What distinguishes these treatments?

Lumigan addresses eye conditions like glaucoma, while Latisse enhances eyelash length and fullness.

2. Can Lumigan alter eye color?

Yes, Lumigan use may lead to changes in eye color, offering a unique side effect.

3. What is the generic name for Lumigan?

The generic name for Lumigan is bimatoprost, often available at a lower cost.

4. How should one decide between Lumigan and Latisse?

Consider your specific needs: Lumigan for treating glaucoma or high eye pressure, and Latisse for eyelash enhancement.

References

O.D AGK O. D. , and Joseph Sowka. Lumigan: Good for Lashes? www.reviewofoptometry.com. Accessed June 11, 2024. https://www.reviewofoptometry.com/article/lumigan-good-for-lashes

Hedengran A, Steensberg AT, Virgili G, Azuara-Blanco A, Kolko M. Efficacy and safety evaluation of benzalkonium chloride preserved eye-drops compared with alternatively preserved and preservative-free eye-drops in the treatment of glaucoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Ophthalmology. Published online February 12, 2020:bjophthalmol-2019-315623. doi:https://doi.org/10.1136/bjophthalmol-2019-315623