Nov 21, 2007 11:00 pm US/Eastern
Health: Longer Eyelashes
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
Jennifer Lohner has beautiful long eyelashes.
"It makes a big difference for women," said Jennifer.
She credits Jan Marini Lash Enhancing products. They are put on like eyeliner.
"They were so long I had people asking me oh did you get eyelash extensions and to have a product that really delivers is amazing," said Jennifer.
The eyelash treatment was discovered by accident. The key ingredient is a compound also found in Lumigan, a drug used by glaucoma patients to reduce eye pressure.
It came with an unexpected side effect, longer lashes.
"Nobody really knows , at least we doctors don't know why. But it makes the lashes grow longer and sometimes they get quite beautiful," said Dr. George Spaeth, with Wills Eye at Jefferson.
Dr. Spaeth is a glaucoma specialist. He isn't surprised that some cosmetic companies are trying to capitalize on the discovery.
"The whole idea of using an agent to make ones lashes longer would only make sense," said Dr. Spaeth.
But the FDA has seized 12 thousand tubes of Jan Marini Age Intervention Eyelash saying it was "an unapproved and misbranded drug" that could damage the optic nerve and eventually cause blindness.
"I have not had any adverse reactions in any way," said Jennifer.
A statement from Jan Marini says in part " the FDA's safety concerns have never been substantiated and we believe are without merit."
The FDA admits it's received no reports of adverse effects linked to Jan Marini eyelash products.
"I think it should be recognized that it's a safe drug," said Dr. Spaeth.
He says there are a few small potential side effects like a slight risk of eye color changes.
"It is potentially dangerous drug, but rarely so," said Dr. Spaeth.
But because of the FDA warnings Jan Marini stopped selling its original product in September of 2006. Now, they have a new reformulated product called Age Intervention Eyelash Conditioner that it clams has a similar active ingredient but no prescription medication. The FDA has taken no action against this product.
Debbie Lander started with the original formula and has now switched the new one. She's thrilled with what she calls a dramatic improvement.
"It's great, great. Never had any reaction," said Debbie.
Debbie and Jennifer are happy with their lushes lashes and they have lots of admirers.
"You know girls talk and oh my gosh you have to tell me about this we want it, we wanna try it," said Jennifer.
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