A drug designed to treat the eye disease glaucoma could also have a cosmetic purpose, it has been claimed.

According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Lumigan - which is made by Botox manufacturer Allergan - helps to boost the length of eyelashes.

Allergan is now seeking approval to market the drug under the brand name Latisse after the FDA confirmed its safety and effectiveness.

The drug would be available as drops which would be applied to the edge of the eyelid to promote eyelash growth.

Scott Whitcup, executive vice president of research and development at Allergan, commented: "Latisse will offer consumers an FDA-approved product which has been extensively studied…and is regulated as a prescription product," the Guardian reports.

As well as Botox, Allergan also markets Juvederm, a hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal filler that lasts for up to one year and is ideal for addressing lines on the sides of the nose and mouth.