It's been a year and a half since Linda Smith participated in the clinical trial of a new eyelash growth drug, but she remembers how it made her feel.

"After about maybe a month, or a little more, I thought, my eyelashes are touching inside my sunglasses," she said.

Smith wasn't expecting results when she volunteered for the trial. A scientist by profession, she knew there was a 50/50 chance she would not get the active drug. But since she had always been unhappy with her short eyelashes, she thought it would be interesting.

Chapel Hill dermatologist Sue Ellen Cox, M.D., said unlike most clinical trials, the results were clear.

"There are some clinical trials that you're not sure if the patient is getting the active medication or getting placebo," said Cox. "This clinical trial was very, very clear."

Aesthetic Solutions was one of only a handful of clinical trial sites across the country for the drug now known as Latisse. Nearly 300 patients participated in the 16-week study nationwide. Already used to treat glaucoma, the drug proved effective in growing eyelashes and finally earned FDA approval for cosmetic use by prescription in January.

While there were specific criteria for patients who participated in the clinical trial, Cox says with approval, there are few restrictions on its use.

"This is a great, safe medication, so I think as long as there's no contraindications for the application of this medication, many people can benefit from it," she said.

Right now, the drug is only approved for cosmetic use, but Cox says there is potential for use with patients who have lost their lashes from chemotherapy or other illness.

It is not covered by insurance and costs about $120 dollars for a month's supply. You can read more about the drug here.

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