Can you use Latisse (bimatoprost) if you wear contact lenses?
Latisse contains bimatoprost and is applied to the skin at the base of the upper eyelashes. Contact lens wear itself does not automatically prevent use, but you need to prevent the medicine from getting into your eyes in a way that could irritate them.
What precautions should contact lens users take?
To reduce the chance of irritation:
- Apply Latisse carefully only along the lash line as directed (avoid getting drops/solution directly into the eye).
- If you wear contacts, let your eyes feel comfortable after applying before putting lenses back in.
- If you get eye redness, burning, increased watering, or discomfort after application, stop using it and talk to a clinician.
When should you avoid it or get medical advice?
Do not use (or stop and seek advice) if you have:
- Significant eye irritation after applying Latisse
- Any eye condition where your eye-care professional has told you to avoid products that might contact the ocular surface (for example, active eye inflammation)
What side effects or eye problems are people usually concerned about?
The most common concerns with eyelash-growth medicines are local eyelid/eye irritation and redness. Because contact lenses sit on the eye surface, anything that increases irritation can make symptoms worse.
Is Latisse different from “eyelash serums” you can find online?
Yes. Latisse is a prescription product. Many over-the-counter eyelash serums use different ingredients, and the prescription product’s labeling and guidance are specific for bimatoprost. If you’re trying to decide between them, the safest approach is to follow the prescribing directions and ask your eye doctor what they prefer for contact lens wearers.
If you tell me which eye condition you have (if any) and whether your contacts are soft or rigid (and daily vs. extended wear), I can help you think through the safest timing and precautions to ask your prescribing clinician about.