I have very sparse eyelashes. A friend recommended a cosmetic eyelash growth enhancer, which is available over the counter. It works, but it has made my eyelids extremely red and they look horrible. What should I do? First, with my Beauty Bible hat on, I can report that our panel of independent testers trialled the same product (for legal reasons we can’t name it, so let’s call it ‘Eye Lash’) which you apply to the base of your lashes. Five out of ten had such marked sensitivity reactions to it that we discontinued the trial. I started researching and alarm bells began to ring.

Although these topical cosmetic products are widely available, the key ingredient in several eyelash growth enhancers is a molecule used in glaucoma drugs. Known as prostaglandin analog, it reduces pressure in the eye and is also recognised as helping eyelash growth but only while you use the product.

With glaucoma, doctors have to balance the risk-to-benefit ratio as there are known side effects, which may affect some people, according to consultant ophthalmologist Professor Charles Clark.

Patient information for Lumigan, a glaucoma drug that contains a prostaglandin analog called bimatoprost, warns patients of redness, swelling, itching or pain in or around the eye, also oozing or discharge, increased sensitivity to light, and vision changes. Less serious side effects include mild eye discomfort, dizziness, the feeling of something in your eye, dry or watery eyes, stinging or burning after using the drops. Eyes may also change colour, not always evenly. There may also be uneven loss of supporting fat around the eye.

These side effects may also occur in low ‘cosmetic’ doses of bimatoprost. In 2007, the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates drugs, recalled another over-the-counter eyelash growth enhancer because it ‘may cause adverse effects in certain people due to the [low-dose] bimatoprost, including macular edema (swelling of the retina) and uveitis (inflammation in the eye), which may lead to decreased vision’.

The FDA has, however, approved a bimatoprost ophthalmic solution called Latisse, which is available on prescription for hypotrichosis (eyelash deficiency) in the US. As it’s a prescription product, patients will be monitored.

In the UK, all eyelash growth enhancers are currently classified as cosmetics. This means they don’t need regulatory approval and are available over the counter. However, the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency is now reassessing the status of ‘Eye Lash’, which contains a similar active ingredient to bimatoprost. Following a legal judgment in California, ‘Eye Lash’ has been ruled a drug, and the company has suspended sales there.

Professor Clark advises caution: ‘These products may have significant side effects. It would be safer if they were used under medical supervision.’

 

CUSHION THE PAIN

Invasive surgery on heart, lungs, breasts or lymph nodes can make everyday movements painful. Now Cami Confidential, which makes lacy tops designed for breast surgery patients, offers a Comfort Cushion, with adjustable shoulder straps, to cushion the underarm area. Good if you sleep on your side, also to pad the area between a car seatbelt and your chest. £20, from www.camiconfidential.co.uk.

 

BOOK OF THE WEEK:  YOUR PREGNANCY COMPANION

Our reviewer, Lucy, a mother of three young boys, recommends this highly:  ‘Covering pre-conception to the early days of parenthood, this book is full of useful advice for each stage, as well as a week-by-week development breakdown. The nutrition and wellbeing tips are strong, and there’s plenty for partners to read. The labour and birth section is both practical and reassuring.  Zita’s top ten tips for labour are great to focus on if your time is limited.’

•  Find Your Pregnancy Companion by Zita West at www.amazon.co.uk/£25 - buy here (when we looked it was discounted to £16)

 

THE BIG SNEEZY

A reader who suffers from hay fever every year is looking for a natural remedy to help prevent or relieve it.  My staple remedy is Aller-DMG, a natural formulation that contains perilla, from the mint family, which blocks the release of histamine, plus dimethylglycine (DMG) derived from beets, which helps clear the respiratory tract and reduces the intensity of the allergic reaction.  I also like to eat local honey: the idea is that the tiny amounts of local pollen act as a natural vaccine. And I don huge dark glasses - real Jackie Os - which at the very least look glamorous.

•  Find Aller-DMG at www.victoriahealth.com/£15.90 for 60 tablets - buy here