Bimatoprost is a synthetic (man-made) drug that resembles and mimics the effects of natural chemicals (prostaglandins) produced by the body and is used for reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) and increasing the growth of eyelashes.
The exact mechanism of action is unknown. Bimatoprost may reduce IOP by increasing the outflow of aqueous humor from the eye of individuals with narrow angle glaucoma. Excessive aqueous humor may cause optic nerve damage and visual loss. It may increase eyelash growth by increasing the duration of the growing phase of the eyelash.
An increase in pressure within your eye can lead to damage to the optic nerve at the back of your eye. When this occurs it is called glaucoma. Glaucoma can lead to a loss of vision if it is not treated. If you have an increased pressure within your eye but without any damage to the optic nerve, this is called ocular hypertension. People with ocular hypertension have an increased risk of later developing glaucoma. Treatment with bimatoprost eye drops helps to reduce eye pressure in people with ocular hypertension, and to prevent further eye damage in people with open-angle glaucoma.
Bimatoprost eye drops work by increasing the drainage of fluid from the inside of your eye. This helps to lower the pressure within your eye. Bimatoprost eye drops are available as bottles of eye drops which contain a preservative, and also as single-dose units which do not contain a preservative.
Sometimes, more than one type of eye drop is needed to keep the pressure in the eye low. If this is the case for you, you may be asked to use two different eye drops, or you may be given drops which combine more than one type.
