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Bimatoprost Ophthalmic Solution - An Overview

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Bimatoprost Ophthalmic Solution - An Overview

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Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved prescription drug commonly used as an eyelash grower.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Suvina Attavar

Published At May 3, 2019
Reviewed AtMarch 26, 2024

Introduction:

Women use mascaras, artificial eyelashes, and many other cosmetic products to make their eyelashes look long, thick, and dark, as prominent eyelashes are considered a sign of beauty. Due to the unique properties of eyelashes, like the long resting stage of the hair growth cycle, slow growth rate, no influence of androgens, and its close proximity to the eyes, hair growth methods used for scalp hair cannot be used for eyelashes. Therefore, in 2008, the FDA approved Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution, which is used as an eyelash grower.

What Is Bimatoprost Eye Solution?

Bimatoprost was first used to treat glaucoma. The buildup of pressure in the eye that can result in blindness is called glaucoma. Glaucoma patients using Bimatoprost eye solution noticed that eyelashes became thicker and longer after a few months. In addition, the prostaglandin analog, the active ingredient in Bimatoprost solution, affected the eyelashes. This led to the development of this eyelash growth serum. If someone is already using or is directed to use bimatoprost to treat glaucoma, be careful not to get this eyelash medication into the eyes. Extra Bimatoprost in the eyes may make the glaucoma treatment less effective.

How to Use Bimatoprost?

Use this medicine only after consulting your doctor. Read the information leaflet properly before using this medicine. It is usually applied once daily in the evening. The steps to apply this solution are:

  • Wash and dry your hands and face properly before using the medicine.

  • Remove contact lenses before application, as they can change the color of the lenses permanently. The lenses can be reinserted after 15 minutes.

  • Take a drop of the solution on the applicator, and carefully draw the applicator across the upper eyelid at the bottom of the eyelashes.

  • The excess solution should be blotted with a clean tissue.

  • Always use a new applicator for each eye. Throw away the applicator after a single use.

  • Do not use this medication on the lower eyelid. Do not panic if the medicine gets inside the eye, as it is also used to treat eye conditions. It may take a couple of months to notice any difference in your eyelashes.

  • Use this medicine regularly to get the most benefit from it. Do not use this drug more than the recommended dose. Using more does not make this medication work faster. It can take about two months to see the full benefits of using this medication.

  • Once this medication is stopped, the appearance of the eyelashes may return to how they were before beginning treatment with Bimatoprost.

  • It is possible that the effects between the two sets of eyelashes may not be the same. There can be differences in length, thickness, fullness, color, number, or direction of growth of eyelashes. If any of these occur, speak to a doctor.

The process by which prostaglandin analog thickens and darkens the eyelashes is not fully understood. Like the hair on any other part of your body, eyelashes grow for a while and then fall out. Bimatoprost increases the growth phase and the number of hair follicles. But as soon as you stop using it, the eyelashes return to being thin and light like before. Bimatoprost can decrease intraocular pressure by increasing the outflow of aqueous humor from the eyes of people with narrow-angle glaucoma. The excessive aqueous humor can cause optic nerve damage and visual loss.

Is Bimatoprost Effective?

People notice a difference in the length and thickness of the eyelashes after two months of nighttime use. After this, the doctor might suggest you use it every two days. A 16-week study showed the following results:

  • 25 % increase in eyelash length.

  • 106 % increase in thickness.

  • 18 % increase in darkness.

What Are the Precautions to Be Taken Before Using Bimatoprost?

This medicine should be used with care or is contraindicated in a few conditions. So, inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

  • Bimatoprost allergy or any other drug allergy.

  • Glaucoma.

  • Macular edema.

  • Iritis.

  • Uveitis.

  • Lens extraction.

  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding. During pregnancy, use this medication only when needed.

  • The solution may contain inactive ingredients like preservatives, which can cause allergic reactions or other issues, such as discoloration of contact lenses.

What Are the Side Effects of Bimatoprost?

Some of the possible side effects are:

  • Redness of eyes.

  • Dry eyes.

  • Eyelid irritation.

  • Eye infection (reusing the applicator).

  • Itchy eyes.

  • Darkening of eyelid skin.

  • Unwanted hair growth around the eyes if the medicine drips during application.

  • The color of the iris becomes darker.

Except for the darker iris, the rest of the side effects disappear once you stop using the drug. To reduce side effects, follow the proper method to use the drug.

How to Grow Thick and Dark Eyelashes Naturally?

Some home remedies, along with Bimatoprost, can help you get beautiful long eyelashes.

  • Apply a natural oil, such as castor oil, coconut oil, and olive oil, to your lashes to moisturize them and support healthy growth.

  • Moisturize with aloe vera to hydrate and strengthen dry and brittle lashes. In addition, aloe vera stimulates collagen, which nourishes the eyelashes.

  • Apply petroleum jelly to your eyelashes to hydrate and moisturize the hair follicles.

  • Apply an eyelash growth serum to treat hair loss and result in longer lashes.

  • Use lash-boosting mascara. These mascaras contain some of the same key ingredients, like lash growth serums, that help to add length and volume to your lashes.

  • Consider taking collagen or biotin supplements if your lashes are weak and thin. However, before adding new supplements to your routine, consult a doctor to determine which supplement is most suitable for you and review any possible side effects.

Conclusion:

Promoting thicker and longer eyelashes with different techniques and beauty products is possible. Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution is one of the commonly prescribed medications for growing eyelashes. This medicine should be used with care or is contraindicated in a few conditions. So, inform your doctor if you have any of the conditions for which the solution is contraindicated. In addition to medical treatments, home-based remedies like aloe vera gel, natural oils, and petroleum jelly can also moisturize the eyelashes and prevent their breakage.

Dr. Suvina Attavar

Dr. Suvina Attavar

Dermatology

Tags:

dry eyeseyelashesbimatoprostlatisseglaucoma
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