Management of Hypotrichosis of the Eyelashes: Focus on Bimatoprost

The document discusses the use of bimatoprost, a prostamide originally approved for treating ocular hypertension, as a treatment for hypotrichosis of the eyelashes. Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03%, when applied daily to the upper eyelid margin, has been shown to effectively increase eyelash growth in terms of length, thickness, and darkness. This effect is attributed to an extended anagen phase of the hair cycle, increased hair bulb thickness, and enhanced melanogenesis. Clinical ratings, digital image analysis, and patient satisfaction measures have all demonstrated the effectiveness of bimatoprost. Additionally, dermal application of bimatoprost is associated with fewer adverse events compared to its use as an eyedrop, likely due to reduced exposure of ocular tissues. The data indicates that bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03% is a safe and effective method for enhancing upper eyelash growth when applied to the skin.