Lumigan (
bimatoprost) is an eyedrop solution usually used to relieve pressure in the eyes by increasing the outflow of fluid in the eyeball. The medication relieves symptoms of glaucoma and ocular hypertension and, given early enough, may prevent glaucoma from developing.
The active ingredient in Lumigan, bimatoprost, is also used to promote growth of eyelashes, resulting in longer, thicker and darker lashes. Though usually marketed under a different name for eyelash growth, the solutions are identical and differ only in application method.
There is also some evidence that bimatoprost promotes hair growth on the scalp and reduces fatty tissue around the eyes, but these uses are still in experimental stages.
Using Lumigan Effectively This medication may damage contact lenses so lenses should be removed prior to application, even if applied to eyelashes in case some gets in the eye. Lenses can be safely replaced 15 minutes after application.
Lumigan comes in two strengths; a 0.01% solution and 0.03% solution, with 0.03% being the more common. For both relieving intraocular pressure and promoting eyelash growth, application is done once a day, usually in the evening when there will be no need to wash or apply makeup.
To relieve intraocular pressure:
- Wash and dry hands and face.
- Prepare eyedropper; do not allow tip to contact any other surface, including skin, to prevent infection.
- Tip head back or lie down.
- Administer one drop to affected eye.
- Gently hold eye closed with a finger for at least one minute.
- Repeat in other eye if needed.
- Do not apply in larger doses or more frequently than prescribed; doing so has proven to be counter-productive and may increase eye pressure.
To promote eyelash growth:
- Wash and dry hands and face.
- Using a sterile, disposable applicator, spread one drop evenly along the base of eyelashes on the upper eyelid.
- Apply an additional drop on the other upper eyelid.
- Do not apply to bottom eyelids.
- Dispose of applicator, blot up any excess medication off face, and wash hands.
- Wait at least 15 minutes before applying makeup.
Depending on the individual situation, both eye pressure and eyelash growth will generally revert to previous states once treatment with Lumigan stops. For this reason treatment may be long-term, lasting months or even years.
Possible Adverse EffectsLumigan is a remarkably safe medication with virtually no medically harmful side effects reported as a direct result of use. There is, however, a risk of cosmetic side effects:
- Use of Lumigan in eyes may result in gradual darkening of eye pigmentation, or an increase in brown pigments. This change is permanent and irreversible.
- If the medication is only being applied to one eye and pigmentation changes do occur, it will happen only in the medicated eye.
- Lumigan may also darken eyelashes and skin around application site; these changes are reversible when treatment ceases.
Other side effects are generally very mild, such as redness around the eye and slight discomfort during application. Any signs of infection or persistent irritation should be brought to the attention of a physician.