Eyelash growth in subjects treated with bimatoprost: a multicenter, randomized, double-masked, vehicle-controlled, parallel-group study

Abstract

Background: Bimatoprost 0.03% is associated with increased growth and prominence of eyelashes.

Objective: We sought to compare the safety and efficacy of once-daily bimatoprost 0.03% versus vehicle in increasing eyelash length, thickness, and darkness after topical administration to upper eyelid margins.

Methods: In this 5-month study, subjects were randomized to receive once-daily bimatoprost 0.03% (n = 137) or vehicle (n = 141). The primary end point was eyelash prominence assessed by the investigator global eyelash assessment scale. Secondary efficacy measures included eyelash length, thickness, and darkness measured by digital image analysis and patient-reported outcomes. Safety data included adverse event monitoring and ophthalmic examinations.

Results: A higher percentage of subjects treated with bimatoprost 0.03% (78.1%) versus vehicle (18.4%) demonstrated at least a 1-grade increase in global eyelash assessment score at week 16 (P < .0001). Subjects in the bimatoprost 0.03% group also had statistically significantly greater increases in eyelash length, thickness, and darkness (P < .0001) than those in the vehicle group. For adverse events, only conjunctival hyperemia occurred at a statistically significant higher incidence rate in the bimatoprost 0.03% versus the vehicle group (P = .03).

Limitations: Short-term duration of the trial was a limitation; black subjects were not enrolled secondary to technical requirements of digital image analysis.

Conclusion: Bimatoprost 0.03% was found to be effective at enhancing eyelashes in adults with a very good safety profile.