It is rare for the same medicine to be used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. But bimatoprost (also sold under the brand name Careprost®) has a double duty. In addition to the treatment of glaucoma, it can be used to grow and thicken eyelashes.

It is effective for both purposes, but is it safe? Can it cause long-lasting changes to your eyes?

You must remember to follow the administration instructions as specified if you want to reduce the risk of any side effects. If you use it properly, only 5% of the medication is exposed to the eye compared to the eye drop method used to treat glaucoma.

Hormone-like effects 

Bimatoprost itself is a prostaglandin – a fatty acid that has hormonal effects on the body. As an eye drop medication, it is used to treat glaucoma by reducing the pressure inside the eye.

It should be noted, however, that this fatty acid may cause light irises to become darker over the years. For example, it can cause permanent brown iris discoloration over months or years of use. Another side effect is known as periorbital fat atrophy – the hollowing out appearance of the eyelids. This fat atrophy is permanent and can be severe, so you should stop taking it immediately if you notice symptoms.

In the eyelash grower, however, the function and effects of bimatoprost are slightly different.

How an eyelash grower works 

Before applying, wash your hands and face, remove any makeup. The solution is used once a night and is placed at the roots of the upper eyelashes with a single-use applicator. It works by creating more hair follicles in the hair-growing cycle.

Careprost is approved by the United States. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use only on upper eyelashes. It may spread to the lower lashes as you blink, but only the upper eyelashes will have the primary effect. Don't worry if any medication comes into your eye, as it is used to treat glaucoma, and is unlikely to cause damage.

Results usually occur within two months. If you stop using eyelash grower, your eyelashes will gradually return to their original condition.

Safe to most users

The FDA approved Careprost for eyelash growth in 2008 and is considered safe for adults. Because bimatoprost is the main ingredient, if you have glaucoma and are already treating it with medication, consult your ophthalmologist before using Careprost.

Results usually occur within two months. If you stop using eyelash grower, your eyelashes will gradually return to their original condition.

Safe to most users

The FDA approved Careprost for eyelash growth in 2008 and is considered safe for adults. Because bimatoprost is the main ingredient, if you have glaucoma and are already treating it with medication, consult your ophthalmologist before using Careprost.

More significant reactions include increased eyelash growth in the corners of the eyes and excessive eyebrow growth if they are affected by the medication.

Report any eye, infection, or vision changes to your ophthalmologist immediately.

Eyelash grower and contact 

If you are wearing contacts and want to use Careprost, you should know that the FDA warns that your contacts can absorb a product that can discolour your contacts. Remove your contacts before applying the solution, and wait 15 minutes before putting them back in.

Read More: Best tips to get darker longer and thicker eyelashes naturally