Eyelash Growth from Application of Bimatoprost in Gel Suspension to the Base of the Eyelashes

Abstract

To determine whether bimatoprost (Lumigan, Allergan Inc., Irvine, CA) causes increased lash length when used in gel suspension applied to the base of the eyelashes. Randomized controlled trial. Nineteen subjects were enrolled. Subjects recruited from the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute were screened, and those who met inclusion criteria were enrolled. Each participant received 2 vials of gel suspension, which contained bimatoprost and normal saline, respectively, each mixed 1:1 with Gonak gel (Akorn Inc., Lake Forest, IL) and labeled "right eye" and "left eye" according to randomization. The suspension was applied to the upper eyelid eyelashes every evening on the designated eye for 6 weeks. Lash length was measured with a caliper at enrollment, at weekly intervals during the application of the gel, and at 1 and 3 months after discontinuation of its use. Visual acuity, ocular symptoms, intraocular pressure, and photographs were documented at these same intervals. The mean eyelash growth from baseline in the bimatoprost group was 2.0 mm versus a mean of 1.1 mm in the placebo group, which was a statistically significant difference (P=0.009). The average intraocular pressure decreased equally in both groups (2 mmHg). No change in visual acuity or iris discoloration was noted in any of the subjects. Our data showed an increase in eyelash length with the use of bimatoprost in gel suspension, suggesting the product's eyelash-lengthening properties.