Does Latisse cause eye redness and irritation?

Bimatoprost (Latisse) is a topical medication that helps promote the growth of eyelashes. The active ingredient in Latisse is also approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat glaucoma and is sold in eye drop form under the brand name Lumigen.

Red eye and eye irritation are possible side effects of Latisse.

By understanding these and other potential side effects of Latisse, you can work with your prescribing doctor to manage them or find alternative treatments.

Does Latisse cause red eyes?

According to the FDA’s prescribing information for Latisse, fewer than 4% of people experienced red eyes as a side effect during clinical trials.

The FDA also mentions that Latisse can cause redness in the whites of the eyes (conjunctival hyperemia) and redness in the area around the eye (periorbital erythema). 

Safety information on the Latisse website cites an undated clinical study in which 3.6% of participants had eye redness when using Latisse. The same study found that 2.2% experienced eye irritation and an equal number had eyelid redness.

A 2020 study involving 134 participants found that people with glaucoma who used bimatoprost eye drops experienced more redness than people using a placebo. Researchers noted that bimatoprost caused more redness than drugs in the same class, like tafluprost and latanoprost.

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Side effects of Latisse

It’s important not to use Latisse if you’re sensitive to any of the ingredients in the product.

If you’re taking medication to reduce the pressure inside your eye, such as bimatoprost ophthalmic (Lumigan), latanoprost (Xalatan), or travoprost (Travatan), let a doctor know before using Latisse. They may recommend changing the dose of these medications.

Latisse can cause several side effects ranging from mild to severe.

Common side effects

The following are common side effects of Latisse:

• eye itchiness
• eye redness
• eye irritation
• dry eye
• eye inflammation
• foreign body sensation in the eye

Adverse reactions

More serious side effects can also occur with Latisse. These include:

• lower intraocular pressure
• brown pigment in the iris
• darkening of eyelid skin
• hair growth outside the eyelid
• increased inflammation inside the eye
• fluid buildup inside the eye
• infection of the cornea

Consumer-reported reactions

Some people also report experiencing other unlisted effects when using Latisse. These reactions include:

• dry eyelid skin
• eye or eyelid swelling
• bacterial infection of the eyelid
• local allergic reaction
• increased tears
• temporary loss of a few eyelashes
• temporary breakage of lashes
• skin tightness around the eye
• rash
• skin discoloration
• skin peeling
• blurry vision
• eyelashes growing toward the eye

How to manage side effects of Latisse

The following tips may help you avoid some side effects of Latisse:

• Talk with a doctor about any other medications you’re taking, especially glaucoma medications, as they may increase your risk of experiencing side effects.
• Apply Latisse only to the eyelid area and blot any excess to prevent it from running onto your cheeks.
• Don’t reuse applicators or allow the bottle tip to touch any surfaces to prevent infection.

Also, speak with a doctor if you’ve ever had eye swelling or eye pressure problems before using Latisse for eyelash growth.

When to see a healthcare professional

If red eyes, itchiness, or irritation are severe or don’t go away, consider talking with a doctor. You should also see a doctor if you experience:

• eye trauma or infection
• sudden decrease in your ability to see
• conjunctivitis
• a reaction that develops on your eyelid

A doctor might recommend an alternative medication. 

Latisse is the only FDA-approved medication for eyelash growth.

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The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) cautions that over-the-counter eyelash serums contain non-FDA-approved ingredients and have an unknown risk profile. 

If you experience eye redness or other side effects after taking bimatoprost (Lumigen) for glaucoma, a doctor may recommend a different drug, such as:

• latanoprost (Xalatan)
• travoprost (Travatan Z)
• tafluprost (Zioptan)

Like bimatoprost, these drugs lower pressure inside the eye by helping with fluid drainage.

Other glaucoma medications a doctor might prescribe instead of bimatoprost include:

• timolol (Betimol) 
• dorzolamide (Trusopt) 
• netarsudil (Rhopressa) 
• latanoprostene bunod (Vyzulta) 
• pilocarpine (Isopto Carpine) 
• apraclonidine (Iopidine) 

Summary

Latisse can cause eye redness and irritation. If these side effects are severe or ongoing, consider speaking with a doctor about an alternative medication.

Latisse can also cause side effects such as changes in eye color and darkening of the skin on your eyelid. 

You can help prevent common side effects by blotting excess Latisse from your eyelid after application, using a new applicator for each application, and letting a doctor know if you’re taking glaucoma medications.

It’s also a good idea to let a doctor know if you have a history of eye swelling or eye pressure problems, have an eye infection, or have had eye surgery.

Talk with a doctor if Latisse affects your vision or if your side effects are severe.

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