Effect of a Prostaglandin Analog-Based Eyelash Serum on Tear Film Stability and the Ocular Surface.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the short-term effect of a prostaglandin analog-based eyelash serum on the ocular surface. METHODS: A prospective interventional study was conducted on 19 healthy women. Participants applied an eyelash serum containing dechloro dihydroxy difluoro ethylcloprostenolamide once daily to the upper eyelid margin for 6 weeks. Tear film parameters, meibomian glands analysis, and ocular surface inflammation and damage were assessed at baseline and posttreatment using the S390L slit lamp (Firefly WDR, MediWorks, Shanghai, China). RESULTS: A significant reduction in tear film stability was observed, with decreases of 3.92±7.45 sec in first noninvasive break-up time (P=0.003) and 3.97±6.25 sec in average noninvasive break-up time (P<0.001). Tear volume was reduced, as shown by decreases of 0.01±0.04 mm in tear meniscus height (P=0.049) and 0.27±0.66 mm2 in tear meniscus area (P=0.019). Ocular hyperemia increased, with temporal ciliary hyperemia rising by 1.68±3.45% (P=0.006) and temporal conjunctival hyperemia by 2.41±4.14% (P=0.001). No statistically significant changes were observed in meibomian gland morphology or ocular surface staining. CONCLUSIONS: Daily application of the prostaglandin analog-based eyelash serum induced tear film instability, reduced tear volume, and increased ocular hyperemia. These findings suggest that even short-term use may disrupt ocular surface homeostasis and cause mild inflammation. Further studies with longer follow-up are needed to assess its safety profile on the ocular surface.