Darkening of the sclera

[azjeepin]

OK, help.  I'm 45, doc verified post-menopausal (yes, very very early) and the last couple of years I have significant darkening of my sclera (whites of my eyes).  I have had hypothyroidism since I was about 20 and I take levothyroxine.  I had my doc run a full blood / urine panel to ensure it wasn't thyroid/kidney/liver related (nope).  I went to my Opthomologist and he said he agreed they were dark but could see nothing medically wrong with my eyes.

I have been using Latisse for about 4 years, but I only apply it on the top edge of my lashes and I have had no side effects from using it (much to the frustration of many friends whose eyes get all red and puffy).  Eye doc said his research indicated there were no side effects related to the sclera.

I tried going simple - with Visine.  no help.  I've been using Systane 3-4 times daily for about 2 months and that has not made a change either.

I do not wear contacts. I do not need glasses. I never never leave the house without polarized sunglasses, even to walk the kids to the corner for school (brightness of AZ prevents me from being able to see if I don't).  I don't tan.  We rarely swim until the pool is covered in shade.   I don't drive a convertible.   I'm actually pretty pale, considering we live in the desert.

I use Clinique skin care products, almost exclusively for almost 30 years, except for SkinMedica eye cream, but I was having issues before I started with that brand.   I do use oil-based makeup remover because I wear waterproof mascara - but again, I've been using the same makeup remover for about 12 years........ and I only wear makeup 3-4 times a week (whose got time for that with kids and work and Scouts and sports and music and "me time"?!)

I would appreciate any any any ideas to what could be causing this and/or how to fix/reverse/stop this?   Thank you!!

[azjeepin]

Thank you! How we missed that even AFTER talking to the doc, I'll never know. So my options are - eyelashes or white eyes (if it is even reversible!)

[Red_Star]

Excerpt from DoubleCheckMD - Latisse (bimatoprost topical ophthalmic)...

"Latisse may cause color change in the sclera (tough, outer covering of the eye).

Concurrent administration of bimatoprost topical ophthalmic solution (LATISSE) and IOP-lowering prostaglandin analogs in ocular hypertensive patients may decrease the IOP-lowering effect. Patients using these products concomitantly should be closely monitored for changes to their intraocular pressure.

Bimatoprost topical ophthalmic solution may cause increased pigmentation of the iris and eyelid and increased pigmentation and growth of the eyelashes. Eye color changes (increased brown pigmentation) may occur in the treated eye. Pigmentation changes may be more noticeable in patients with mixed colored irides (blue-brown, grey-brown, yellow-brown, and green-brown), but they have also occurred in brown-eyed patients. Patients should be informed of the possibility of a gradual change in eye color. These changes may be permanent. Eyes should be examined regularly and treatment may be discontinued if increased pigmentation occurs.

Side Effects to Watch
Watch closely for the following side effects and notify your physician immediately should any of these develop:

* infection, eyelid problems, vision changes, pinkeye or eye effects"