title: Eyelash growth from application of bimatoprost in gel suspension to the base of the eyelashes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine whether bimatoprost (Lumigan, Allergan Inc., Irvine, CA) causes increased lash length when used in gel suspension applied to the base of the eyelashes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomized controlled trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nineteen subjects were enrolled.
  
  
  METHODS
  Subjects recruited from the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute were screened, and those who met inclusion criteria were enrolled. Each participant received 2 vials of gel suspension, which contained bimatoprost and normal saline, respectively, each mixed 1:1 with Gonak gel (Akorn Inc., Lake Forest, IL) and labeled "right eye" and "left eye" according to randomization. The suspension was applied to the upper eyelid eyelashes every evening on the designated eye for 6 weeks.
  
  
  METHODS
  Lash length was measured with a caliper at enrollment, at weekly intervals during the application of the gel, and at 1 and 3 months after discontinuation of its use. Visual acuity, ocular symptoms, intraocular pressure, and photographs were documented at these same intervals.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean eyelash growth from baseline in the bimatoprost group was 2.0 mm versus a mean of 1.1 mm in the placebo group, which was a statistically significant difference (P=0.009). The average intraocular pressure decreased equally in both groups (2 mmHg). No change in visual acuity or iris discoloration was noted in any of the subjects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our data showed an increase in eyelash length with the use of bimatoprost in gel suspension, suggesting the product's eyelash-lengthening properties.
authors.affiliation: Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136, USA. Swester2@med.miami.edu
authors.forename: Sara Tullis
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Wester
authors.forename: Wendy W
authors.initials: WW
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Shi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000577:Amides / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000069580:Bimatoprost; D003008:Cloprostenol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005127:Eye Color / Q000187:drug effects; D005140:Eyelashes / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D006983:Hypertrichosis / Q000139:chemically induced*; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000187:drug effects; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000577:Amides; D005782:Gels; D003008:Cloprostenol; D000069580:Bimatoprost