Bimatoprost belongs to a class of medications known as Prostaglandin Analogs.
It is an effective active ingredient used in many eye-care products to treat Glaucoma and promote eyelash growth.
But can Bimatoprost cause eye color changes? Is it a myth or reality?
Although Bimatoprost is generally safe to use when used appropriately, it can lead to some side effects that may vary among individuals.
Hence, this article will explore the effects of Bimatoprost on eye color and ways to prevent side effects.
Can Bimatorpost cause eye color changes
Yes, there is a chance that Bimatoprost can alter the color of your eyes.
However, this side effect of Bimatoprost is extremely uncommon. Only a few people who take Bimatoprost have reported experiencing it.
The US Food and Drug Association (FDA) authorized Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03% in 2001 as an eye drop for treating Open-Angle Glaucoma and Intraocular Hypertension.
But unusual eyelash growth is a side effect of Bimatoprost.
However, this effect can be beneficial for people with Hypotrichosis.
Hence, the FDA in 2008 authorized Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03% as an eyelash solution to treat Hypotrichosis of eyelashes.
Some people using Bimatoprost for growing eyelashes may experience changes in the color of their eyes.
But the exact mechanism by which Bimatoprost changes your eye color is still not fully understood.
It is believed that Bimatoprost can stimulate the melanin pigment that gives eyes their color.
This can result in the gradual darkening of the iris over time, changing the color of the eyes to brown, especially in those with lighter-colored eyes (blue or green).
However, not everyone who takes Bimatoprost will see changes in their eye color.
These changes are often more obvious in those who use the medicine frequently for a long time in one eye only.
This side effect of Bimatoprost can be permanent in 1-2% of Glaucoma patients who use the medication on the surface of their eyes.
Are you considering buying Bimatoprost without a prescription? Read our article: The Ultimate Guide to Taking Bimatoprost Over the Counter to know if you can buy Bimatoprost over the counter or not.
Side effects of Bimatoprost

Bimatoprost is an effective eye drop for Glaucoma and eyelash growth, but just like other medications, it can lead to some side effects.
Although eye color change is a rare side effect of Bimatoprost, the medication may cause some side effects that are frequent.
These include:
- Irritation, swelling, and redness in the eyes
- Conjunctival Hyperemia (inflammation in the eye)
- Dry eyes
- Itching in the eyes
- Headaches
Apart from this, Bimatoprost can lead to some severe side effects also, although they are rare.
These side effects include:
- Blurred vision
- Change in eye color
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Bloody eye
- Changed color of the skin surrounding the eyes
- Double sight
- Halos around lights
- Night blindness
Safety considerations while using Bimatoprost

One can reduce the risk of side effects by following some safety measures while using Bimatoprost.
- Before using Bimatoprost, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients
- To prevent any side effects, patients should take Bimatoprost eyelash solution exactly as directed by the doctor.
- After application, the eyelid shouldn’t be washed to prevent the Bimatoprost solution from collecting or coming into contact with the eye.
- The medication should be applied with the help of an applicator only, which should be replaced after use.
- It is essential to consult your healthcare practitioner if you detect any changes in your eye color while taking Bimatoprost.
- To prevent any interactions, you should always let your healthcare provider know what vitamins, nutritional supplements, herbal products, and prescription and non-prescription medications you are currently taking or intend to take
- Inform your doctor if you currently have, have ever had, or acquired any eye diseases, infections, or disorders such as Macular Edema, Iritis, or Uveitis
- The preservative Benzalkonium Chloride used in Bimatoprost can be absorbed by contact lenses
- Remove your contact lenses before applying Bimatoprost and put them back only after 15 minutes of application
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, use Bimatoprost only after consulting your doctor
- Never start, stop, or modify the dosage of Bimatoprost without consulting your doctor
- Give it at least 5 minutes before or after using Bimatoprost eye drops if you’re using another topical eye medication
If you are wearing contact lenses, then use Bimatoprost cautiously. Read our article: Navigating Eye Health: Can I Wear Contact Lenses While Using Careprost?, to know more.
Conclusion
Bimatoprost is a prescribed medication that can effectively reduce eye pressure and promote the growth of inadequate eyelashes.
However, besides having several benefits of Bimatoprost, it can also lead to some side effects, including changes in eye color.
But really, can Bimatoprost cause eye color changes?
Bimatoprost can boost melanin synthesis, which can cause a change in the color of the iris of the eyes.
This change can be permanent if you continue using the medication for a long period of time.
Bimatoprost should be used after consulting your doctor, and necessary precautions need to be taken to reduce the risk of eye color change and other side effects due to Bimatoprost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bimatoprost change eye color?
Yes, Bimatoprost can cause a change in eye color.
Although this change in the color of the eyes is rare, it can be permanent if Bimatoprost is used frequently for a long time.
Can eyelash growth serum change the eye color?
Generally, eyelash serums are safe to use for promoting eyelash growth.
However, eyelash serums containing Prostaglandin Analogs like Bimatoprost can cause a change in eye color when used frequently.
Is Bimatoprost a safe medication?
Yes, Bimatoprost is safe and effective in reducing intraocular pressure.
This, in turn, can help stop vision loss brought on by eye conditions such as Glaucoma and Intraocular Hypertension.
Are eyebrows affected by Bimatoprost?
Yes, it has been found that Bimatoprost can cause a considerable improvement in eyebrow hair development at the application site of Bimatoprost without any negative side effects.
Does Bimatoprost cause any side effects?
When used for reducing intraocular pressure, Bimatoprost can lead to some common side effects, such as redness, itching, swelling, and irritation in the eyes.
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