Lack of Efficacy of Topical Latanoprost and Bimatoprost Ophthalmic Solutions in Promoting Eyelash Growth in Patients with Alopecia Areata

In 2009, a 16-week, randomized, controlled study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of topical latanoprost and bimatoprost ophthalmic solutions in promoting eyelash growth in patients with alopecia areata (AA). The study involved 11 adult patients with AA who had experienced more than 50% bilateral eyelash loss for 6 months or longer. The patients were randomized to receive either latanoprost or bimatoprost, which they applied directly to the affected upper and lower eyelid margins of one eye only, once daily. The untreated contralateral eye served as the control. The results showed that no appreciable eyelash regrowth was noted on clinical assessment of eyelid margins or on review of digital photographs. The study concluded that topical latanoprost and bimatoprost ophthalmic solutions were not effective in promoting eyelash growth in patients with AA.