Bimatoprost in the Treatment of Eyelash Hypotrichosis

Bimatoprost 0.03% solution, marketed as Latisse, was approved by the FDA for treating eyelash hypotrichosis by increasing eyelash length, thickness, and darkness. It worked by stimulating the transition of hair follicles from the resting (telogen) phase to the growing (anagen) phase and potentially prolonging the anagen phase. While effective for enhancing healthy eyelash growth, its efficacy in cases of eyelash alopecia areata was uncertain, and its protective effects in eyelash loss due to radiation or chemotherapy were not studied. Bimatoprost was generally safe with minimal side effects when applied to the eyelash base, but potential ocular or systemic side effects could occur if applied to the eye surface, necessitating patient monitoring.