Know Everything About Bimat Eye Drop

Bimat is an ophthalmic medication that addresses both medical and cosmetic concerns. This blog discusses the eye drop’s active ingredient, shedding light on its therapeutic role in lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) among individuals with ocular hypertension and primary open angle glaucoma. Beyond its medical utility, the blog also discusses the cosmetic application of Bimat in addressing hypotrichosis, adding a layer to its clinical significance.

The active ingredient in Bimat eye drops is Bimatoprost.

Topical Bimat containing bimatoprost, a synthetic prostamide analog, was initially approved for treating ocular hypertension and open-angle glaucoma. Bimatoprost-induced eyelash hypertrichosis has been reported as a side effect in patients undergoing treatment for ophthalmological disorders such as glaucoma. Bimatoprost, 0.03% solution, is the only FDA-approved medication used for treating hypotrichosis of eyelashes. It has also demonstrated its effectiveness in improving the appearance of lashes, including length, thickness, and pigmentation, and it got FDA approval in 2008 for its cosmetic effects.   

Indications and mechanism of Bimat eye drops

1. Ocular hypertension in glaucoma patients

Research evidence suggests that Bimat reduces IOP in eyes with ocular hypertension and glaucoma.

Mechanism of action: Your eye contains a clear liquid that feeds inside it. This watery liquid is constantly drained out of the eye, and a new liquid is released to replace it. If the liquid can’t drain out rapidly enough, the pressure within the eye builds up. With a strength of 0.03%, this ophthalmic solution reduces the pressure within the eye. If this elevated pressure is not reduced, it could lead to an ocular condition called glaucoma and eventually damage your vision.

Once daily, Bimat can be used alone or with other ophthalmic products as a doctor prescribes to treat the condition. Bimatoprost 0.03% has higher side effects, including periocular pigmentation, conjunctival hyperemia, and eyelash growth.  

• Hypotrichosis

Eyelash growth is a well-documented adverse effect of Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03% during the treatment of glaucoma. Later, daily Bimat application to the upper lashes was studied extensively to grow eyelashes with favorable safety profiles and tolerability.

Eyelash hypotrichosis is a condition characterized by an insufficient number of eyelashes. Hypertrichosis of eyelashes, characterized by excessive lash growth, is a regular phenomenon associated with prostamide analogs. Bimat eye drops are often purchased as an over-the-counter product for cosmetic purposes. It is widely used to promote longer, darker, and thicker eyelashes.   

Mode of action for lash hypotrichosis – There are various proposed mechanisms behind the effectiveness of topical bimatoprost, including the transition of follicles from the telogen (resting) phase to the anagen (growth) phase, prolongation of the growth phase, and enlargement of the dermal papilla and hair bulb, which forms thicker hair. Prostaglandin, like Bimat, may also prolong the eyelashes’ anagen (growth) phase, increasing lash length. Although Bimat bimatoprost is effective in promoting increased growth of healthy lashes, its effectiveness in patients with eyelash alopecia is debatable, and its protective effect has yet to be studied in patients with lash loss secondary to chemotherapy and radiation.  Bimat 0.03% is generally safe and has minimum adverse effects when applied to the base of lashes at the eyelid margin. However, other ocular adverse reactions associated with ophthalmic prostaglandin may occur when instilled on the eye’s surface, and patients and patients must be aware of it.

Safety—Treatment with Bimat once daily has an unfavorable safety profile. Compared to other prostaglandin analogs, it is well tolerated in most patients who use it for glaucoma and ocular hypertension. 

Usage instructions

Applying Bimat 0.03% for ocular hypertension and glaucoma: Bimat eye drops 0.03% may be used directly on the ocular surface. The suggested dose is a single drop every evening. The patients are advised to wait at least five minutes between using Bimat and other eye drops or artificial tears. With the use of Bimat 0.03%, the reduction of IOP has been shown to begin after four hours; maximum effects will reach after twelve hours of administration. The stability will be maintained in the decrease in IOP for 24 hours. It has been clinically approved that Bimat effectively lowers IOP in the long term and is generally well tolerated by most individuals who use it.  With the help of a tissue or a cotton swab, you can remove excessive ophthalmic solution around the eyes to reduce the local side effects, such as unwanted hair growth.

Applying Bimat for hypotrichosis: Bimat Bimatoprost is widely used and associated with increased prominence of lashes when applied once daily. The product is currently available as a bottled solution and has an applicator brush. Before application, patients should remove their contact lenses. Applying any topical products directly to the eye is not suggested.

Every night, a single drop is applied to the applicator brush. To prevent contamination, draw a line against the base of your upper eyelid margin from inwards to outwards. The applicator should be used in only one eye. Research says the product must be applied for at least sixteen weeks for maximum lash prominence.

Side effects of Bimat 0.03%

Many research studies have demonstrated the high safety of Bimat when applied to eyelids or ocular surfaces. The most common side effects associated with this ophthalmic solution are conjunctival hyperemia, eyelash growth and darkening, blepharitis, dry eye syndrome, eye pruritus and erythema, burning irritation, visual disturbances, tearing, iris pigmentation, conjunctivitis, photophobia, foreign body sensations, eye-stinging, and pain. 

Bimat applied as an eye drop has also been associated with altering iris pigmentation. Brown-colored irises are more at risk of hyperpigmentation with Bimat, which can be irreversible. Iris darkening develops within the first year of therapy and increases with time with continuous usage of the drug.  

Conclusion

Bimat eye drops are among the most effective open-angle glaucoma and eyelash hypotrichosis treatments. Successful treatment usually depends on the appropriate usage of the product.  Appropriate usage includes cleaning the face, removing contact lenses, and applying a single drop once nightly along the upper eyelid margin at the base of the lashes with a single-use per-eye applicator. The product should not be applied to the lower lash line. While for lowering IOP, you instill a single drop in the affected eye. Moreover, patient education improves acceptance and compliance with a prescription product like Bimat, resulting in optimized outcomes.