Bimatoprost: What It Is, How It Works, and What You Need to Know

When you hear bimatoprost, a synthetic prostaglandin analog used to lower eye pressure and stimulate eyelash growth. Also known as Latisse when used for lashes, it's one of the most common eye drops prescribed for both medical and cosmetic reasons. If you’ve been told to use it for glaucoma—or you’re curious about those longer lashes you see in ads—you’re not alone. Millions use it, but few understand how it actually works inside the eye.

Bimatoprost lowers intraocular pressure, the fluid pressure inside the eye that can damage the optic nerve if too high by helping fluid drain more efficiently. That’s why doctors prescribe it for glaucoma treatment, a group of eye diseases that can lead to vision loss if untreated. But the same mechanism that improves drainage also affects hair follicles around the eye. That’s how it ended up being used off-label for eyelash thickening. It’s the same drug, just different application and concentration. The FDA approved it for both uses, but the dosing and instructions are not interchangeable.

People using bimatoprost for glaucoma often report stinging or redness at first—those usually fade. But some notice darkening of the iris or eyelid skin, which can be permanent. If you’re using it for lashes, you might get unwanted hair growth on the cheeks or eyelids if the dropper touches your skin. That’s why proper technique matters. You don’t need to use more to get better results—overuse increases side effects without adding benefits. And if you’re switching from another glaucoma drop, don’t stop your old one without talking to your doctor. Bimatoprost doesn’t work for everyone, and some people need combination therapy.

It’s not the only option. Other drugs like latanoprost or timolol also lower eye pressure, but bimatoprost tends to be more effective. For eyelash growth, it’s still the gold standard—even though it’s expensive without insurance. Many turn to Canadian pharmacies for lower prices, which is why you’ll find it discussed alongside other affordable meds like generic versions of metformin or ibuprofen. But remember: buying any medication online means checking the source. Fake or expired bimatoprost can cause serious eye damage.

Below, you’ll find real-world guides on how bimatoprost fits into broader health topics—from managing chronic eye conditions safely, to understanding how medications interact with other drugs, to spotting when a treatment is working—or when it’s not. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or just trying to make sense of your prescription, these posts give you the facts without the fluff.