Bimatoprost Eye Drops: Everything You Need to Know

Bimatoprost eye drops, often recognized by the brand name Lumigan, are among the first eye drops that come to mind when treating Glaucoma. Since Glaucoma is the second leading cause of vision loss, Bimatoprost can significantly lower high eye pressure and prevent the risks of permanent blindness. 

Besides its efficacy in Glaucoma treatment, Bimatoprost has an additional benefit in treating Eyelash Hypotrichosis or inadequate lash growth in people undergoing chemotherapy. Thus, it not only has medicinal benefits but also gives you longer lashes to boost confidence.

Bimatoprost is available in branded and generic versions, which you can purchase from various reliable sources. But how does it work to reduce eye pressure and grow your eyelashes simultaneously? And are there any side effects of this eye drop for long-term usage?

This comprehensive article discusses everything you need to know about Bimatoprost eye drops. We will elaborate on this medicine’s safety, uses, workings, dosage, application, side effects, and interactions in detail. So, let’s delve into the topic and learn in-depth.

What are Bimatoprost eye drops?

Bimatoprost eye drops are prescription medications used for medical and cosmetic purposes. While most ophthalmic (eye) solutions can only treat ongoing Glaucoma, surprisingly, Bimatoprost can also give you fuller, darker, and longer eyelashes within just a few uses.

The overview table below discusses the important information related to Bimatoprost medication.

FDA-approvals	FDA-approved in 2001 for Glaucoma and in 2008 for Hypotrichosis
Brand name	Lumigan and Latisse
Generic name	Bimatoprost, available in 2015
Drug class	Prostaglandin Analogue
Common uses	Treats Glaucoma, Ocular Hypertension, and Hypotrichosis of eyelashes
Administration	Ophthalmic solution

Bimatoprost is used as a first-line treatment for Glaucoma and to lower high eye pressure. Since it reduces eye pressure, it can prevent optic nerve damage and permanent blindness. Many people have used Bimatoprost to control their Glaucoma and have seen remarkable results, with eye pressure reducing between 28% and 31%.

Bimatoprost became available in 2001 under its name, Lumigan, as a multidose 0.03% ophthalmic solution. In 2010, Allergan started selling Lumigan 0.01% ophthalmic solution, which has almost similar efficacy to Lumigan 0.03% but has fewer adverse side effects in people.

When you instill the prescribed dose of Bimatoprost in your eyes, you may observe visible results within 4 hours. The medicine reaches its peak efficacy after 8-12 hours. Furthermore, it stays effective for 24 hours, relieving you from increased eye pressure and pain.

Bimatoprost eye drops uses

Bimatoprost medications, such as Careprost 3 ml of 0.03% and Bimat 0.03% eye drops, can be used for the treatment of the following medical conditions:

• Glaucoma and high eye pressure: Topical Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution treats Ocular Hypertension or high eye pressure in the eyes. This medication can also reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) in the eyes of people with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

• Hypotrichosis: Bimatoprost ophthalmic solutions are FDA-approved for treating Hypotrichosis of eyelashes. They are often purchased for cosmetic purposes. They can give you darker, longer, and fuller eyelashes

Also Read: If you are wondering about the difference between Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension, read “Ocular Hypertension vs Glaucoma: Are They Same?“

How does Bimatoprost work?

To better understand Bimatoprost’s beneficial effects, it is necessary to know how it works to lower eye pressure and promote lashes. 

• Reduce high eye pressure: Bimatoprost medications such as Actavis Bimatoprost increase the aqueous outflow through a specific pathway. As a result, it decreases high eye pressure and reduces the risks of optic nerve damage in people with Glaucoma

• Eyelash growth: Bimatoprost eye drops such as Lashgrow 3 ml promote the hair growth cycle’s anagen phase and arrest the catagen phase’s entry. As a result, Bimatoprost prevents the stage where hair growth stops and hair shrinkage begins. Therefore, Bimatoprost increases the thickness of hair and bulb diameter and darkens the lashes

Bimatoprost eye drops dosage

The dose of Bimatoprost may vary from person to person. It usually depends on the disease you are using it for and the severity of your condition. Therefore, sticking to your prescribed dosage is advised for a faster recovery.

In general, use Bimatoprost eye drops in the following dosage:

• For Glaucoma or high eye pressure: Use a single drop of the Lumigan Bimatoprost every day in the evening. It is available in 0.03% and 0.01% doses, such as Bimat LS Eye Drops 0.01%. However, it is not recommended for children and teenagers below 16 years

• For Hypotrichosis: Apply one drop on each upper eyelid. This topical medication is available in Bimatoprost 0.03% concentration. For children, consult your doctor to use it in the prescribed dosage

How to apply Bimatoprost eye drops?

For the best results and applying Bimatoprost eye drops correctly, follow the given instructions:

• Firstly, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water

• Ensure the tip of the dropper is not chipped or cracked

• Place the medicine dropper in between your thumb and index finger to make a grip

• Tilt your head back and pull down your lower lid with the other hand to make a pocket

• Do not touch the surface of your eyes with the dropper or applicator. Instead, maintain a safe distance

• While looking up, gently squeeze the dropper so that one drop of the medicine falls on the pocket of your eyes

• Use a tissue to wipe the excess medication from your face

• Keep your eyes closed for 2-3 minutes. Try not to squeeze or blink your eyes and tip your head towards the floor

• Most importantly, place your fingers on the tip of the tear duct on the side of your eyes and apply gentle pressure

• If you are prescribed to use more than one drop of Bimat T-Eye Drop, wait for at least five minutes before instilling the next drop

• Do not wash or rinse the dropper. Replace and tighten the bottle of Bimatoprost

• If you use Bimatoprost (Latisse) for eyelash growth, place one drop of the solution on the applicator and apply it evenly along the skin of your upper eyelid

• To get rid of the residue, wash your hands once again

• Remember to use the medication at the same time every day

Bimatoprost eye drops side effects

Although Bimatoprost is a safe medication, it may still cause certain side effects in some people after the first few uses. In comparison, these side effects are often well-tolerated and disappear on their own. However, if you experience persistent side effects, consult your doctor and seek immediate medical treatment.

Some common Bimatoprost side effects of this medication are as follows:

• Itchy and dry eyes 
• Headaches
• Eye redness and swelling
• Teary eyes 
• Eye stinging and pain

However, the medication may also cause adverse side effects in some cases. Be sure to consult your doctor and seek immediate medical attention to avoid the risks of severe consequences:

• Visual disturbances
• Photophobia or increased light sensitivity
• Conjunctivitis or pink eyes
• Iris pigmentation or change in eye color
• Eye inflammation or Macular Edema

Bimatoprost interactions

Like all medications, Bimatoprost is likely to interact with certain medications, diseases, and dietary choices. Inform your doctor if you take additional medicines, or food, or have a medical history.

• Medicinal interaction: Bimatoprost eye drops may interact with other Prostaglandin Analogs, such as Latanoprost, Travoprost, and Tafluprost. Therefore, consult your doctor before using other eye drops with this medication to reduce the potential interaction and severe side effects

• Disease interaction: It is always best to inform your doctor if you have a medical history of liver, kidney, or other eye conditions, such as Uveitis and Macular Edema. Furthermore, if you recently had a cornea transplant, lost your eye’s lens, or have an eye infection, consult your doctor before using Bimatoprost

• Food interaction: These eye drops may interact with your over-the-counter medications, such as vitamins, supplements, or herbal medications. Furthermore, consult your doctor before using Bimatoprost if you are taking alcohol or tobacco

Precautions while using Bimatoprost

Exercising precautions are necessary for the safe use of Bimatoprost eye drops. You should follow the given instructions to use the medication safely:

• Do not apply Bimatoprost if you are allergic to the medicine or Prostaglandin Analogs

• Do not use this eye drop unless your doctor prescribes it

• Always inform your doctor if you take any medicine or dietary supplements or have had a history of medical conditions to prevent the risks of potential interaction

• If you use more than a single drop of this medicine, be sure to wait at least 5 minutes before you instill the next drop

• Stop immediately and consult your doctor if you develop any side effects after using Glaucoma eye drops

• If you forget to use the eye drops, take it as soon as you remember. However, if you are approaching the next dose, continue with the next dose

• Do not double the dose to compensate for the missed dose, as it will not heal you faster

• Store Bimatoprost eye drops at room temperature in a cool and dry place. Keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture, and keep it away from kids and pets

Conclusion

Bimatoprost eye drops are the first-line treatment for reducing high eye pressure and treating Glaucoma. It can also treat Eyelash Hypotrichosis and promote longer, fuller, darker lashes. The medicine is FDA-approved and available under the Lumigan and Latisse brand names. 

Bimatoprost simultaneously lowers high eye pressure and gives you fuller lashes as a side effect. The medicine is also available in different generic versions with the same efficacy and fewer side effects. You can purchase them through local or online pharmacies.

Bimatoprost may also cause side effects in people and interact with your medicines, dietary choices, and diseases. Therefore, you should consult your doctor before using these eye drops to reduce the risks of severe consequences.