6 weeks on-Latisse

Quick post updating on my Latisse experience.  It's been 6 weeks now and I'm definitely noticing changes. I'm still bothered by the possibility of iris colour change.  It doesn't seem like it's something overly likely with Latisse but I do still think it's a possibility.  That said, I imagine it might be a difficult product to give up.  I've always had short, sparse lashes (thanks, Mum) but they're growing now for the first time ever!  Not all are the same length-there are some long, some around the normal length.  My right lashes aren't as long as my left and some of the ones at the outer edge of my right eye are strangely curly.
I keep thinking I must be imagining it and it's really only properly obvious when I'm wearing mascara.  My sister confirmed that they looked longer though and I've actually had the annoying "tipping my glasses" experience!
Updated photos:

I'm keeping a careful eye on my eye colour...especially things like that brown patch on my left eye (right of the picture) which has always been there.  Mascara is Clinique high impact curling again.

Before:

It's slow!   They say results tend to take off at 8 weeks so I'll update again.

Next post: 6 weeks after Botox!

Could Latisse change iris colour?

This is something that I've been thinking about daily since starting on Latisse.  I have hazel eyes and really don't want them to change.  Iris pigmentation is one of the scariest potential side effects on the Latisse list.  It comes from the experience with Lumigan, the glaucoma medication which is the same medication as Latisse.  With Lumigan, the incidence of iris pigmentation using the 0.03% solution was approximately 1.5%.  This is not a rare complication, but actually qualifies it as a common side effect (defined as 1-10% incidence).
The method of administration is obviously different-Lumigan goes directly into the eye and Latisse is painted on the lash line but Allergan themselves said the dose was 1/20th the dose of Lumigan.  Considering the drug itself is the same, this implies that a dose to the eye is expected.  It's not inconceivable that a liquid applied to the lash line could enter the eye.  Optrex, a manufacturer of eye drops in the UK has capitalised on this with an eye mist called Actimist.  The pictures I initially posted here disappeared but you can see images of how it works on the website.  They have a nifty demonstration where they spray a special dye on the eyelid and you can see it on the eye after blinking.  Another thing that promotes the idea of something being applied around the eye getting into it is that an easy way of applying eye drops is also to apply to the inside corner of your eye and just blink to disperse.
So, I do think Latisse could enter the eye during use and therefore could lead to iris pigmentation.  This is probably even more of a risk if a little too much fluid is used or it's applied to close to the inside corner of the eye.  I'm noticing results now (even my sister noticed!) so will keep going with my supply but I don't think I'll continue long term.  I'd like to see if there are official reports of iris pigmentation (not blog comments) before committing to it!

Latisse-yes or no?

I've been pondering the Latisse for the past few days in particular.  I do genuinely believe my lashes are a little longer.  If I use a curling mascara they definitely are more prominent.
What bothers me still is the idea of putting something known to cause iris pigmentation-albeit through a different route of administration-onto my lash line just to have longer lashes.  Fine, there were no reported cases in the trials and there are apparently no reported cases since it was approved.  But is this definitely true?  Searching around online yields people who say they've suffered the pigmentation.  Perhaps they're lying, but there are a few unsettling things:

• Latisse only launched in the US in 2009.  That means less than 2 years of follow-up of the product being used by large numbers of people
• Allergan reckon that Latisse supplies 1/20th of the dose of Lumigan when applied as directed.  Does this mean they expect a dose to the eye itself?
• Allergan have already been cautioned by the FDA for minimising the risks associated with the product in their promotional material.
• Eyes at highest risk for pigmentation seem to be those that already have some brown pigment-hazel and green.  Like mine.

When I was at the plastic surgeons office and he was telling me about it and recommending it to me I asked about the iris pigmentation.  He said there was no chance of it.  I think most prescribers would agree.  He told me his assistant who had blue eyes hadn't suffered any problems.  However:

• The assistant had used the product for less than 2 months.  The problems with Lumigan seemed to be at the 6-12 month mark
• She had blue eyes.  With no brown pigment.  She was therefore at a lower risk anyway.
• Allergan recommends that patients are informed of the potential risk for iris pigmentation, likely permanent....they had to because we know that Lumigan can cause it.  So it can't be ruled out.

I think the risk with Latisse is probably tiny.   I do think it raises the issue of how easily we dismiss risks just to look better!  I was happy to get carried away thinking about the longer, thicker lashes and ignore the reality of applying a medicinal product.  I like my eyes.  They're the one thing I wouldn't change.  I'm not sure what I'll do!  Reviews on RealSelf and Makeupalley are mainly very positive.  The results I get will help me to decide.  I could imagine wanting to continue if the results were striking.  At the moment I'm considering finishing this bottle and then just switch to Rapid Lash or the Dermaglow lash enhance.  They may not work but they're unlikely to destroy my eyes.  There's always mascara....