Bimatoprost

• Type: Prostaglandin analog

• Main Use: Lowers intraocular pressure (IOP) in the eye to treat glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

How It Works

• Bimatoprost increases the outflow of aqueous humor (the clear fluid in the eye).

• This helps reduce eye pressure, which protects the optic nerve and slows the progression of glaucoma.

Forms Available

• Usually available as eye drops (0.01% or 0.03% solution).

• Also used in a cosmetic form (as a lash growth product) because it can make eyelashes longer, thicker, and darker.

Common Uses

• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma – the most common type of glaucoma.

• Ocular Hypertension – when eye pressure is higher than normal but without optic nerve damage yet.

Advantages

• Very effective — often lowers eye pressure more than many other types of drops.

• Usually used once daily (usually at night), which makes it easy to follow.

Possible Side Effects

• Eye-related:

  • Redness

  • Mild irritation or itching

  • Darkening of the eyelid skin

  • Increased eyelash growth

  • Possible darkening of the iris (eye color) in people with lighter-colored eyes (can be permanent)

• Less common: Swelling, eye pain, or vision changes

Precautions

• Should be used regularly at the same time each day.

• Avoid touching the dropper tip to the eye or skin to prevent contamination.

• If using multiple types of eye drops, leave at least 5 minutes between them.