Bimat 0.03% Eye Drops – A Complete Guide for First-Time Users

If you are unaware of the benefits of Bimatoprost 0.03% eye drops, this blog is for you. Discover how Bimatoprost addresses medical and cosmetic concerns and how to utilise it effectively.  

Bimatoprost for FDA-approved indications

Bimatoprost 0.03% is a medicine that addresses medical and cosmetic concerns. This blog sheds light on its therapeutic role in lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with ocular hypertension and glaucoma. Beyond its medical utility, the cosmetic application in addressing hypotrichosis adds a layer of significance to its clinical value.

Glaucoma and ocular hypertension 

Ophthalmic Bimatoprost received FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval for the treatment of lowering intraocular pressure. Evidence shows that topical Bimatoprost 0.03% reduces IOP in eyes with open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. High pressure can occur when excessive fluid builds up inside your eye. If left untreated, high pressure can cause damage to the optic nerves, ultimately leading to vision loss or blindness. Glaucoma is an eye condition that usually occurs due to the buildup of pressure in the eye when the fluid can’t drain properly. This excessive pressure damages the optic nerve. Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution helps drain fluid from the eye and lowers pressure.

To lower intraocular pressure, a once-a-day dosing may be recommended. The pharmaceutical agent may be used concomitantly with another medicine, including Timolol. The eye drop is available only by prescription. It comes in a 3ml bottle. Your ophthalmologist may also prescribe timolol eye drops to use in conjunction with Bimatoprost.  Before using the product, make sure you read the instructions provided by your ophthalmologist. It is best to use the ophthalmic solution 0.03% in the evening, as it is more effective then. If you wear contact lenses, make sure to remove them before using the eye drops. Wait for at least fifteen minutes before putting your lenses back in. This is because the eye drops can cause blurry vision if used with contact lenses.

Additionally, the presence of certain preservatives in bottled ophthalmic solutions may alter the colour of your contact lenses. Wash your hands before handling the bottle of Bimatoprost 0.03%. Shake the bottle well before use and twist off the cap. It doesn’t come with a dropper. As you are new to this eye drop bottle, start by gently squeezing it away from your eye to get a feel for the pressure and the time it takes for a single drop to fall. Now, with the help of your fingers, gently pull the lower eyelid to form a pocket. Whether you are standing or sitting, tilt your head back. Hold the tip of the bottle over your eye and gently press the bottle to release a single drop into the pocket created by your eyelid. Once the application is done, release the lower lid and close your eye. This allows the eye drop to remain in the eye. Wipe away the excess solution with a tissue or cotton swab. Repeat these steps for the other eye as well, if your ophthalmologist has instructed you to do so.

If you use Bimatoprost with other ophthalmic formulations, wait at least five minutes before using any other eye care product. This is because the second ophthalmic solution can wash out the Bimtoprost, so it may not work as well.  It is better to use an eye ointment last.

Eyelash hypotrichosis

Eyelash growth has been reported as a side effect of Bimatoprost. Patients treated with this ophthalmic solution experienced a significant increase in eyelash length in the treated eye. Numerous research studies have demonstrated its cosmetic effects, finding a change in the length and thickness of the eyelashes. Later in 2008, Bimat were approved to treat hypotrichosis in patients undergoing post-chemotherapy treatment. The ophthalmic formulation is often purchased as an over-the-counter product for cosmetic purposes, as it can give rise to longer, darker, and thicker eyelashes. Once nightly, application to the upper eyelashes has been extensively studied to promote eyelash growth with minimal side effects.  

Instructions for use

The ophthalmic solution is intended for use only on the upper eyelid, at the base of the eyelashes. It is not intended for use on the lower eyelid. For optimal results, it is extremely important to follow the restrictions provided by your healthcare professional. Use a mild soap or cleanser to wash your facial skin and remove makeup and contact lenses before use. Make sure you do not touch the tip of the dropper or the applicator. Use the applicator brush for proper application of the solution. Use the one which is supplied with your medicine. If you do not receive the applicator, you can use a sterile eyeliner brush to apply the product. Apply a drop to the applicator brush and gently spread it evenly along the skin of the upper eyelid margin. Be sure to blot away any excess product with a tissue or cotton. Do not apply more than a drop or use more often than directed. If you are using another eyelash care product, leave a gap of at least 5 minutes between applying Bimatoprost and other eyelash care products.

Key features

• You will usually use Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution once daily, usually in the evening.
• The eye drop begins to reduce the pressure in your eye after four hours and will continue to work for over 24 hours. 
• If the solution works for you, you will usually use it for the rest of your life.
• It is essential to use the product regularly and consult a healthcare provider for regular check-ups to prevent the worsening of vision. 
• If you develop blurred vision after using the eye drops, do not drive, operate machinery, or cycle until your vision returns to normal.    

Takeaway!

Whether you are using Bimatoprost 0.03% for hypotrichosis or ocular hypertension, it is always best to use it only under the supervision of a healthcare specialist. Your healthcare professional can discuss the risks and benefits of using Bimatoprost to lower intraocular pressure or to enhance the appearance of eyelashes.