LASIK and Eye Surgery Blog - Clearview Eye and Laser Medical Center

Off-label drugs use is popular in all types of medicine, but it is especially popular in ophthalmology. In most recent news, there are reports of ocular medications being incorporated into cosmetic products to enhance the growth of eyelashes. The products contain bimatoprost, a prostaglandin analog. Bimatoprost, when used as a glaucoma drug, has the side effects of causing changes to pigmentation of the iris, eyelashes and periorbital tissue, as well as causing eyelash growth.

In November 2007, the Food and Drug Administration seized over 12,000 applicator tubes of one product over concerns that it may cause decreased vision. The FDA posted a letter on its website stating that people using the drug as both an IOP-lowering medication (intra-ocular pressure) and for cosmetic reasons may be at increased risk of optic nerve damage. Other adverse effects the FDA warned about were macular edema and uveitis.

To learn more about how these products can affect your vision, please contact the medical team at Clearview Eye and Laser Medical Center today to schedule your initial appointment.

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