Topical bimatoprost in the treatment of eyelash loss in alopecia totalis and universalis: A prospective, open-label study

Bimatoprost is a synthetic prostaglandin structural analogue used among other indications to increase eyelash growth. The aim of this prospective, open-label study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of topical bimatoprost in the treatment of eyelash loss in alopecia areata totalis (AT) and universalis (AU). Study subjects applied ophthalmic bimatoprost (0.3 mg/ml) solution to the eyelid margins once nightly for at least 12 weeks (mean treatment period was 30.6 weeks). A total of 16 out of 17 subjects completed the study. Only the subjects with eyelashes present at baseline experienced an increase in eyelash length and thickness. No new eyelash regrowth was induced. In patients with AT and AU topical bimatoprost affected existing eyelashes, but failed to induce regrowth of new eyelashes.