Skincare6 min readUpdated
Can Latisse Change Your Eye Color? What the Research Shows
Can Latisse change eye color? What the FDA label and clinical trial show about iris darkening, eyelid darkening and other side effects, plus how to apply Latisse safely.
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Latisse can, in theory, permanently darken the colored part of the eye, and the FDA label warns about it. But no iris color changes were reported in the main Latisse trial, because it is applied to the upper eyelid rather than into the eye. The color change people usually notice is darkening of the eyelid skin, in about 3 to 4% of users, which tends to fade after stopping.
- Latisse (bimatoprost 0.03%) is the only FDA-approved prescription for growing eyelashes.
- The label warns that brown iris darkening can occur and is likely permanent.
- No iris color changes were reported in the 278-person trial that led to approval.
- The risk is documented with bimatoprost glaucoma drops, which go directly into the eye.
- Eyelid darkening, itchy eyes and red eyes affect about 3 to 4% of users.
- Apply once nightly to the upper lid only, with a new applicator for each eye, and blot the excess.
On this page 7 sections
Latisse is the only FDA-approved prescription treatment for growing longer, fuller and darker eyelashes. Its active ingredient, bimatoprost, is also used as an eye drop for glaucoma, and as a glaucoma drop it can permanently darken the colored part of the eye (the iris). That is where worries about Latisse changing eye color come from.
The short answer: the Latisse label lists brown iris darkening as a possible, likely permanent risk, but no iris color changes were reported in the main Latisse clinical trial, because the solution goes on the eyelid rather than into the eye. Applying it correctly keeps the risk low. Here is what the research shows, the side effects that are more common, and how to use it safely.
How Latisse works
Latisse contains bimatoprost 0.03%, a prostaglandin analog. Applied once a night along the base of the upper lashes, it keeps lashes in their growth phase for longer and increases the number of growing hairs, so they become longer, thicker and darker. In the trial that led to FDA approval, lashes grew an average of 1.4 mm (about 25%) longer over 16 weeks.
When you will see results
- Starting to work
- Full result
- Back to your old lashes
Results are gradual: about half of trial users saw a clear difference by 8 weeks and 78% by 16 weeks. The effect lasts only while you keep using it. If you stop, your lashes gradually return to how they were before over several weeks to months.
Can Latisse change your eye color?
It is possible but unlikely when Latisse is used as directed. Here is what is known:
- The label warning: the FDA label says increased brown pigmentation of the iris can occur, is likely to be permanent and may take months to years to notice.
- Where the risk comes from: the change is well documented when bimatoprost is used as a glaucoma eye drop, which puts the drug directly into the eye every day. Published reviews put it at about 1.5% of glaucoma drop users.
- What the Latisse trial found: no iris color changes were reported in the 16-week, 278-person trial. Latisse is applied to the skin of the upper eyelid at the base of the lashes with a single-use brush, so very little reaches the eye.
- Who is most likely to notice it: with prostaglandin eye drops, darkening has mostly been seen in mixed-color eyes, such as hazel or green-brown, as brown pigment around the pupil spreads outward. Eyes that are already evenly brown show little visible change.
Iris color change
The colored part of the eye
- How commonNot reported in the Latisse trial; documented with glaucoma drops
- Looks likeBrown spreading out from the pupil
- Reversible?Likely permanent
Eyelid darkening
The skin along the lash line
- How commonAbout 3 to 4% of trial users
- Looks likeA brownish tint, like eyeliner
- Reversible?Usually fades after stopping
In other words, the color change people actually notice with Latisse is usually darkening of the eyelid skin, not the eye itself, and that tends to fade once you stop.
Other side effects to know about
- Itchy or red eyes: the most common side effects, in about 3 to 4% of trial users.
- Darker eyelid skin: usually fades after stopping. Blot any excess solution to reduce it.
- Unwanted hair growth: hair can grow on skin that the solution touches repeatedly, such as the cheek. Wipe off anything outside the lash line.
- Changes around the eye: bimatoprost glaucoma drops can cause a slight hollowing of the upper eyelid over time. This has rarely been reported with Latisse; tell your provider if you notice your eyes looking more sunken.
- Eye pressure: Latisse can slightly lower eye pressure. If you use glaucoma drops or have an eye condition, check with your eye doctor before starting.
Stop and call your provider if you develop eye pain, swelling, a change in vision, an eye infection or a reaction to the solution. Latisse is generally avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as there is not enough safety data, and it should not be used during chemotherapy.
How to apply Latisse safely
- Start with a clean face: remove makeup and contact lenses. Lenses can go back in 15 minutes later.
- One drop on a new brush: place one drop on a sterile applicator and draw it along the skin of the upper eyelid at the base of the lashes, from the inner to the outer corner.
- Upper lid only: never apply it to the lower lash line or into the eye. The lower lashes get enough from blinking.
- Blot the extra: use a tissue to remove anything outside the lash line.
- New brush for the other eye: throw each applicator away after one use to avoid infection.
- Once a night is enough: using more does not grow lashes faster and raises the risk of side effects.
Is Latisse right for you?
For most people, the risk of a visible change in eye color is very low when Latisse is applied correctly to the upper lid. It may be worth extra thought if you have hazel or other mixed-color eyes, a single eye being treated (which would make any difference between your eyes noticeable), glaucoma or another eye condition, or a history of eye inflammation. A provider can look at your eyes, go through your medicines and show you how to apply it.
Latisse in Carlsbad
Latisse is a prescription medicine, so you need an assessment first. Our team can review your eye history and medicines, show you how to apply it correctly, and discuss whether it suits you. Ask about Latisse at your next visit, explore our prescription skincare services, or book a visit at our South Carlsbad studio on El Camino Real.
Frequently asked questions
Can Latisse change your eye color?
It is possible but unlikely. The label warns that permanent brown darkening of the iris can occur, but none was reported in the main Latisse trial because it is applied to the eyelid, not into the eye.
Is eye color change from Latisse permanent?
If the iris does darken, the change is likely to be permanent. Eyelid skin darkening, which is more common, usually fades after you stop.
Who is most at risk of iris darkening?
With prostaglandin eye drops, darkening is mostly seen in mixed-color eyes such as hazel or green-brown. Evenly brown eyes show little visible change.
How long does Latisse take to work?
About half of users see a difference by 8 weeks and most by 16 weeks.
What happens if I stop using Latisse?
Your lashes gradually return to how they were before, over several weeks to months.
Do over-the-counter lash serums change eye color?
Some contain a related prostaglandin, such as isopropyl cloprostenate, and can cause similar side effects. They are not FDA approved for lash growth, so use them with the same care.
Sources
Insiyah Darugar
Insiyah Darugar, MSN, FNP is the founder and CEO of Glow Theory Aesthetic & Dermatology Studio in Carlsbad. She brings more than 15 years of hands-on experience in dermatology and aesthetics and completed the Dermatology Nurse Practitioner Fellowship at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, a…
