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Eyelash beauty: we have decided to offer “Glashvista®”*.
It applies a “side effect” of glaucoma eye drops** to cosmetics.
(**Prostaglandin-related drugs such as Xalatan®, Lumigan® and latanoprost)
The advantage is that we can speak from the perspective of ophthalmologists who see many patients with glaucoma and eye inflammation.
(* A treatment for “eyelash hypotrichosis” approved by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and the FDA)
(Updated May 22, 2022)
We have stopped handling Glashvista®.
At patients’ request, we will now use bimatoprost, the generic version of Glashvista®/Lumigan®.
Bimatoprost prices
Initial consultation fee: ¥2,200
First visit, 1 bottle: ¥4,400
Return visit, 1 bottle: ¥3,300
Applicatorsare to be prepared by you through mail order.
Thank you for your understanding.
(Corrected September 30, 2026)
The statements that “almost everyone’s eyes become sunken” with Lumigan® and that “almost everyone’s eyelashes become fuller” with PG drugs have been revised to match figures from Japanese studies and the package insert. A link to the related article “Glaucoma eye drops: types, side effects, and what to do if you miss a dose” has been added.
Side effects of glaucoma eye drops / eyelash beauty: “Glashvista®」
Glaucoma medicines used to lower eye pressure
In the eye clinic, we see many glaucoma patients every day.
Prostaglandin (PG) eye drops (Xalatan®, Tapros®, Travatans®, Lumigan®, etc.) are often used as the first choice, and we prescribe them routinely.
Xalatan®®: latanoprost
Tapros®®: tafluprost
Travatans®®: travoprost
Lumigan®®: bimatoprost
We prescribe them to lower eye pressure.
PG eye drops improve the flow of fluid out of the eye (the uveoscleral outflow pathway) and can lower eye pressure effectively.
When Xalatan® appeared in 1996, it is said that people around the world were amazed by its remarkable pressure-lowering effect.
PG eye drops have side effects.
- Redness (which can also worsen eye inflammation)
- Pigmentation around the eyelids
- Sunken (hollowed) eyes
- Longer eyelashes and so on
✔ Among PG eye drops, the one reported to lower eye pressure equally or slightly more strongly isLumigan® (bimatoprost) eye drops1。
However, the sunken-eye side effect (no. 3) is more likely to occur; in a Japanese study, about 60% were judged to have it on photographs, and about 40% noticed it themselves2。
When treating secondary glaucoma associated with uveitis, it can be hard to decide how to use Lumigan® as a “trump card” (side effect no. 1).
✔ When I mention no. 4, patients’ expressions sometimes brighten for a moment.
Eyelashes that become fuller during glaucoma treatment
In many people being treated for glaucoma (using PG eye drops), the eyelashes become longer and thicker (about half of patients according to the Lumigan® package insert3）。
Ever since becoming an ophthalmologist, I have used PG eye drops in daily practice,
so I was surprised when I learned that side effect no. 4 is used for cosmetic purposes.
The cosmetic use takes advantage of the difference between “instilling in the eye” and “applying a thin line along the lid margin.”
- Short, thin eyelashes
- Sparse eyelashes that fall out easily
- Eyelashes that have thinned with age
- Eyelashes damaged by eyelash extensions
- Eyelashes damaged by makeup such as mascara
Many people seem to be troubled or worried about their eyelashes in these ways.
The following brush for application is said to be thin and good.
» LASHVIEW micro applicator (micro brush)
ポチップ
Use of a glaucoma medicine (PG drug) for cosmetic purposes:Glashvista®®（Latisse®）
is the only drug approved by both the FDA and Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for “eyelash hypotrichosis.”
Indication: eyelash hypotrichosis
A condition characterized by “insufficient or inadequate eyelashes.”
Its causes include
• idiopathic causes (such as aging), and
• drug-induced hair loss (such as from cancer chemotherapy)
and so on.
Eyelash care: other methods
○ Mascara and eyelash curlers
○ False eyelashes
○ Eyelash extensions
I previously wrote about the causes of allergic inflammation from eyelash extensions.
» Eyelash extensions and allergic inflammation
The essence of allergic inflammation from eyelash extensions is ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate, contained in the “glue” that bonds the extensions to your own eyelashes.
Glashvista®®— we have made a detailed page.
When I recently gave a performance streamed without an audience, the topic of growing out eyelashes during the COVID-19 stay-at-home period came up.
After that, several people asked for Glashvista®, so we decided to prepare it.
Please ask if you are interested.
Thank you.
Details are on a separate page:
» Eyelash beauty “Glashvista®”: an application of a glaucoma eye drop
References
- Japan Glaucoma Society, Glaucoma Clinical Practice Guidelines Revision Committee. Glaucoma Clinical Practice Guidelines (5th edition). Journal of the Japanese Ophthalmological Society. 2022;126(2):85-177 (in Japanese). https://www.nichigan.or.jp/Portals/0/resources/member/guideline/glaucoma5th.pdf
- Inoue K, Shiokawa M, Wakakura M, Tomita G. Deepening of the upper eyelid sulcus caused by 5 types of prostaglandin analogs. J Glaucoma. 2013;22(8):626-631. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22936280/
- Lumigan ophthalmic solution 0.03% package insert. KEGG MEDICUS (in Japanese). https://www.kegg.jp/medicus-bin/japic_med?japic_code=00057364
