What is Lumigan used for?

Lumigan, and the generic alternative Bimatoprost Ophthalmic Solution are eye drops are used to treat certain types of glaucoma, ocular hypertension and other causes of high pressure inside the eye. Lowering high pressure inside the eye can help to prevent blindness. Lumigan can also be prescribed to treat eyelash hypotrichosis. It can be used on the upper eyelashes to increase their growth, making them longer, thicker and darker.

How does Lumigan work?

Bimatoprost eye drops works by regulating the flow of fluid from within the eye by increasing the amount of fluid draining away from the eye. It helps to lower high pressure in the eye to maintain a normal pressure, helping to prevent blindness.

Always read the patient information and instructions carefully before using this medication.

• Do not use this medication in larger or smaller amounts than prescribed or for longer than recommended. The usual dose for Bimatoprost is 1 drop into the effected eye or eyes every evening.
• Wash your hands before and after using the eye drops.
• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
• Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze a drop out.
• Close your eyes for up to 2 or 3 minutes without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of your eye for about 1 minute to stop the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
• Remove any excess solution from around the eye with a clean tissue. Be careful not to touch the eye.
• Wait at least 5 minutes before using any other eye drops.
• Don’t touch the top of the eye dropper or place it direly into your eye. A contaminated dropper could infect your eye.
• Do not use Lumigan eye drops if the liquid has changed color or has particles in it.
• If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take two doses to make up for a missed dose.

Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you have any drug allergies.
• Which other prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take.
• If you have ever had swelling or infection in your eye, retinal detachment or eye surgery or injury.
• If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breast-feeding.

Also be aware that:

• You should not use Lumigan eye drops while wearing contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using Bimatoprost before putting in your contact lenses.
• Lumigan may cause a gradual change in your eye color as well as increased growth or thickness in your eyelashes. The color change may occur slowly and may not be noticeable for months or years. It is usually an increase in brown pigment and may be permanent even after your treatment ends.
• Lumigan is not approved for anyone younger than 16 years old.

Common side-effects may include but are not limited to:

• Eye redness or itching.
• Feeling as if something is in your eyes.
• Increased sensitivity to light.
• A gradual change in eye color of the treated eye. This may be very slow and not noticeable for months or years. This may be permanent, even after your treatment ends.
• Increased growth or thickness of your eyelashes.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side-effects:

• Eye swelling, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage of the eye.
• Vision changes.
• Red, swollen or itchy eyelids.

Q: How do you apply Lumigan

A: Wash your hands before use. Tilt back your head, and pressing your fingers gently below the lower eyelid to create a pocket.  Hold the dropper above the eye and squeeze a drop out. Do not blink and keep your eye closed for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the medication to be absorbed. Remove any excess solution after this time with a clean tissue.

Q: What are the side-effects of Lumigan?

A: The most common side-effects of Lumigan are eye redness or itching, feeling as if something is in your eye and increased sensitivity to light. You may also have a gradual change in eye colour and eyelash thickness.

Q: Does Lumigan help with eyelash growth?

A: Lumigan may be prescribed to treat eyelash hypotrichosis which is a condition indicated by an inadequate amount of eyelashes. It can be used on the upper eyelashes to increase their growth, making them longer, thicker and darker.

Q: What strength of Lumigan is available?

A: Both Lumigan and the generic Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution is available in 0.01% and 0.03% in a range of quantities.