Safety, Effectiveness, and Subjective Experience with Topical Bimatoprost 0.03% for Eyelash Growth

Abstract

BACKGROUND Ocularly applied bimatoprost 0.03% is associated with increased eyelash growth. OBJECTIVE To assess the safety, efficacy, and subjective experience of using dermal application of bimatoprost 0.03% for the growth of natural eyelashes. METHODS Prospective, open-label study of subjects who desired longer, thicker (fuller), and darker natural eyelashes. Bimatoprost was applied to the upper lid margin once daily for 12 weeks. Adverse events and intraocular pressure were assessed, and subjects completed health outcomes questionnaires. Eyelash growth and darkening were scored using photographs taken at weeks 1 and 12. RESULTS All subjects were female (N=28). No serious or unexpected adverse events were reported. The mean change from baseline intraocular pressure was less than 1 mmHg at each time point, but was statistically significant at weeks 1 and 4 (p≤.047). At week 12, all subjects had noticed significant growth or darkening. Post hoc analysis of photographs corroborated these reports (p<.001). CONCLUSION Bimatoprost was found safe for eyelid application and was associated with enhanced eyelash growth. All subjects noticed favorable changes in the appearance of their eyelashes. This study was funded by an unrestricted investigator-initiated research grant from Allergan, Inc., Irvine, CA. J. Walt is a health outcomes researcher and an employee of Allergan. Steve Yoelin and Melissa Earl have no proprietary interest in bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03% or in Allergan, Inc. Medical writing assistance provided by Elizabeth Davis, PhD, Pacific Communications, Costa Mesa, CA. Editorial assistance provided by Health Learning Systems, Parsippany, NJ. Funding for editorial assistance provided by Allergan, Inc., Irvine, CA.