Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution is an eyedrop medication. It contains an active ingredient that lowers the pressure inside the eye. This mode of action can be useful in treating glaucoma and another condition called ocular hypertension. This drug can also make eyelashes grow.
The ophthalmic form of the drug comes as eyedrops. Generally, it is applied once a day into the eye. Usually, the evening is the best time for the drops to be used. The drops go directly into the bottom eyelid.
This form of eye medication is used only in patients whose condition has not improved with other medicines. Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution does not cure any eye condition, but it helps stop the progression of disease and improves eye health for the patient. The drug is an artificial form of prostaglandin, a naturally occurring substance that lowers blood pressure, among other functions.
Eye conditions can be caused by an unhealthy amount of fluid and pressure built up in the eyeball. Glaucoma is one disease that is caused by abnormal pressure, and the condition can result in painful eyes and even blindness. Glaucoma and ocular hypertension become more likely with age. Ocular hypertension is also treatable with bimatoprost ophthalmic solution.
Both of these diseases can be made worse through high pressure in the eye. If left untreated, the pressure can affect the nerves of the eye and worsen vision over time. Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution, as an artificial form of prostaglandin, can lower the pressure inside the eye and make these conditions better. It works by altering the natural flow of the liquid inside the eye, known as the aqueous humor, to the outside of the eye. This removes some of the pressure from the eyeball and prevents eye pain and further deterioration of vision.
As well as the eyedrop form of bimatoprost medication, a topical form is available. This is specifically designed for application to the eyelashes. The drug can help eyelashes become longer and thicker, which is beneficial for people who have a medical condition known as hypotrichosis, in which the eyelashes are unusually sparse. Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution can be used in place of the topical form of the drug to achieve the same benefit.
Possible side effects of the drug include eye irritation when the solution is applied. Dryness, soreness and itchiness can occur, as can headaches or tear production. More serious effects involve an aversion to light, swelling or an eye that turns pink. As well as the potential for longer and thicker eyelashes, bimatoprost ophthalmic solution might also permanently change the color of the patient's eyes to brown.