How Bimatoprost Eye Drops Can Help Manage Glaucoma

What is Bimatoprost Eye Drop?

Durysta, Lumigan, and Latisse are the brand names of generic Bimatoprost solutions. It belongs to the prostaglandin category and is available in synthetic form as a prostamide in two variants: 0.01% and 0.03%. Bimatoprost Eye Drop is a prescription medication, but because it is used for cosmetic purposes, it is also available as OTC (over the counter). It helps in minimizing eye pressure and is effective in treating glaucoma in adults.

Mechanism of Bimatoprost

Bimatoprost eye drops are used as the first line of treatment for people with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). They increase the outflow of liquid from the eyes into the blood, thereby decreasing the pressure in the eyes. They also widen the gap in the connective tissue, assisting the excess liquid in draining out. The reduced pressure in the eyes prevents the optic nerve from damage and helps preserve vision.

Uses of Bimatoprost

The primary use of Bimatoprost eye drops is as follows:

• Treating Ocular Hypertension

• Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG)

• This eye drop is also used to grow eyelashes, making them darker and thicker.

How to Use Bimatoprost?

• The medication comes with the patient’s leaflet. You must read it before you start using it.

• The general dose for glaucoma and hypertension is one drop once a day into the affected eye. However, the medication should be strictly used as recommended by the doctor.

• For the growth of eyelashes, one drop is to be applied to the upper eyelids.

• Wash your hands and refrain from touching the tip of the eye drop. Otherwise, you may contaminate the medication.

• If you wear contact lenses, you must take them off before using the eye drops. You can put them on later (15 to 20 minutes after using the medication).

• If you have been prescribed more than one eye drop, ensure a gap of 5 minutes.

• If you are using this medication to grow eyelashes, you will need an applicator. Take a drop of the medicine on the applicator and apply it evenly to the base of the upper eyelids. Repeat the process for the other eye using a new applicator. Any extra medication can be wiped off using a tissue. Avoid using this medication on the lower eyelash.

• After you use the medication, close the bottle with its cap to keep it free from germs. The applicator should also be disposed of after every use.

• Complete the treatment tenure. Only stop using it if asked by the doctor to do so. Leaving the medication without consulting your Ophthalmologist may lead to loss of vision.

What to Inform your doctor?

Bimatoprost may not necessarily suit everyone. Before you start using these eye drops, inform your doctor about the conditions below.

• Let your doctor know if you have had an allergic reaction to this medication.

• Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any medication, food, dyes, or preservatives.

• Let your doctor know of all the medications you might be on to prevent any interaction.

• Inform your doctor if you have had any recent eye surgery (such as cataracts).

• If you have dry eyes or issues with the cornea.

• If you have an irregular heartbeat, liver or kidney issues, COPD, or Asthma.

• Inform your doctor if you use other eye drops like Latanoprost, Tafluprost, and Tarvoprost.

Possible Side Effects of Bimatoprost

Like any other medication, Bimatoprost may have side effects. However, only some experience those side effects. These side effects are further categorized into common and severe.

Common Side Effects

You may continue using the medication; however, you should inform your doctor about them. A few of the common side effects are listed below:

• Change in the color of the eye (Iris Pigmentation).

• Conjunctival Hyperemia - A condition that makes the conjunctiva appear red due to inflammation.

• It might cause changes in vision or blur vision. Refrain from driving until your sight is clear and vision is restored.

• Redness, itching, and irritation of the eyes.

• Change in the eyelashes may become longer and thicker.

Severe Side Effects

If you witness any severe side effects, refrain from using the medication and consult your doctor immediately.

• Shortness of breath

• If you have COPD or Asthma issues and the breathing becomes worse.

• Dizziness

• Swelling of the lips, throat, mouth, and tongue.

• Severe allergic reactions called Anaphylaxis.

Conclusion

Bimatoprost is used as a first-line treatment for open-angle glaucoma and eyelash hypotrichosis. Several studies have revealed that it effectively lowers Intraocular pressure (IOP). If left untreated, this excessive pressure in the eyes may alter your vision and even lead to complete vision loss. Bimatoprost has also been very useful in treating patients with glaucoma and preserving vision. Most patients using this eye drop did not encounter the common side effects. Talk to your ophthalmologist to get the best results from Bimatoprost. Abide by the doctor’s suggestion and do not use this medication more than what’s recommended.