The active ingredient in Latisse was originally used in the treatment of high intraocular pressure (IOP). A warning sign of glaucoma, IOP can cause nerve damage in the eye; leading to loss of vision or blindness. Medical professionals noticed that a common side effect of this medication was eyelash growth; this discovery led to the development of the eyelash-growing serum. While the exact mechanisms involved in Latisse’s stimulation of hair growth are not well-understood, thousands of people all over the United States have achieved fuller, longer, darker eyelashes with this treatment. Eyelashes can fall out or become thinner for many reasons, the most common including: - Irritation from cosmetics - Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid) - Trichotillomania (compulsion to pull hair including eyelashes) - Localized skin cancer, leading to hair loss - Alopecia areata Situations that involve a sudden loss of eyelashes may be caused by an underlying medical condition that requires a different treatment; Latisse alone cannot solve this problem. Latisse is specifically used to treat the hair in the upper eyelash area that is too thin or too short. It must be prescribed by a physician after an initial consultation for people over the age of 18; it is not recommended by the FDA to anyone under the age of 16. Using a disposable, sterile applicator, the medication is applied to the upper eyelid’s lash line once per day. People who benefit from Latisse may include: - Those with genetic causes of thinner lashes - People with hair loss are caused by a condition that affects the eyes, eyelids, or eyelashes - People with hair loss from an injury - Those who have lost their hair due to cancer treatments like radiation or chemotherapy Although Latisse requires a prescription, it is important to know that the serum takes time to show results; months of regular application are required for the treatment to be successful.