Bimatoprost Side Effects

Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution is an eye drop used to treat conditions involving high pressure in the eyes, such as glaucoma and ocular hypertension. It lowers pressure by increasing fluid drainage from the eyes. Doctors prescribe bimatoprost for patients whose condition has not improved with other medication or who cannot use other medication.

Eye Discomfort

• The most common side effect associated with bimatoprost is eye discomfort. Eyes may feel burning, dry, gritty, irritated, itchy or painful.

Additional Common Effects

• Eyes treated with bimatoprost also may have excessive tearing or discharge, and patients may experience eye strain.

Inflammation and Infection

• Bimatoprost use can cause inflammation of the eyelids, making them red and irritated. It can also cause conjunctivitis, commonly called pink eye. These conditions likely result from the tip of the eye dropper becoming contaminated.

Other Serious Effects

• Rarely, cataract development has been reported with bimatoprost use, as has punctuate epithelial keratopathy, a condition causing irritation or damage to the cornea. Other effects calling for medical attention include sensitivity to light, blurred vision, changes in color perception and problems with night vision.

Color Changes

• Bimatoprost can darken eyelids and eyelashes, and can cause eyelashes to grow longer and thicker. It also can darken the color of the iris to brown. These changes may be permanent.