In addition to serving a cosmetic purpose (long, full eyelashes are a sign of femininity and beauty), eyelashes are highly useful.
They protect our eyes as a natural barrier against external elements such as the sun and moisture.
They behave similarly to Cat Whiskers. Your delicate eyelashes can detect danger if anything is too close to your face or eyes.
Eyelash thinning is a natural consequence of age. Still, if you notice much fewer eyelashes than usual, you may have a condition called Eyelash Hypotrichosis.
What is Hypotrichosis
Hypotrichosis is a rare condition characterized by little or no hair growth.
It is usually congenital (existing at birth) and is associated with numerous genetic disorders.
It affects two different types: one that only affects the hair on the scalp and one that affects eyelashes, eyebrows, or any other body parts where hair normally grows.
Eyelash Hypotrichosis
It is a disorder characterized by an inadequate amount of eyelashes.
A variety of problems can cause eyelash loss, including
- Skin diseases
- Pharmacological side effects
- Endocrine disorders
- Metabolic irregularities
- Traumatic injuries
- Inflammations
- Systemic disease
- Hereditary
- Aging
Eye surgery, Trichotillomania, and facial injuries can also cause lash growth to be thin or stop.
Eyebrow Hypotrichosis
Eyebrow hair loss is medically known as eyebrow Hypotrichosis or eyebrow Madarosis.
It can result in thinning of eyebrow hair or missing patches of hair in the eyebrows.
It is known to impact both men and women.
People may have a loss of eyebrow hair on one or both sides.
Other symptoms include itching, dry skin, and hair loss or thinning in other body areas.
Eyebrow loss can be caused by numerous problems, including:
- Normal aging process
- Genetic conditions
- Medication side effects
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Skin conditions
- Hormonal imbalances
- Autoimmune conditions
- Other causes
Treatment of Eyelashes Hypotrichosis
There are some proven treatments to overcome the situation.
Bimatoprost Opthamalistic
Earlier, Bimatoprost 0.03% solution helped to treat Glaucoma and Intraocular Hypertension.
But, the US Food and Drug Administration has eventually approved this Ophthalmic solution for cosmetic purposes and can be used as an eyelash serum.
Since people who used this medicine liked how it made their eyelashes grow, the FDA approved it in 2008 for Hypotrichosis.
Now, it is also used as an eyelash serum to lengthen, thicken, and darken eyelashes in people with Hypotrichosis of the eyelashes.
It is surprising to find a medicine used for health and beauty reasons. But Bimatoprost works for both of these things.
Thus, Bimatoprost-based eyelash serum is known to help grow thick eyelashes.
There are numerous Bimatoprost-based eyelash serums like Careprost, Bimaday, Bimat, and Lashgrow.
Biotin (Vitamin H)
Biotin is essential for healthy keratin to strengthen lashes and plays a role in the growth of thicker hair.
It can promote the growth of eyelashes and make them look fuller.
It can naturally be found in avocados, nuts, eggs, sweet potatoes, etc.
Treatment of Eyebrow Hypotrichosis
Some scientifically-backed treatments for eyebrow Hypotrichosis are:
Bimatoprost 0.03%
One case study concluded that a 60-year-old woman achieved excellent results after applying Bimatoprost 0.03% solution daily on her eyebrows.
Bimatoprost is an effective medicine that works well to treat Hypotrichosis of the eyelashes.
As per a study, it has been proven to be effective for the growth of eyebrows.
Lash growth serums containing Bimatoprost also help to regrow eyebrows to make them look fuller and thicker.
Corticosteroids
The application of steroid creams or ointments helps reduce hair loss.
According to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF), powerful topical corticosteroids promote hair regeneration by 25 percent.
Injections of Corticosteroids can also increase hair growth in humans. Physicians use these injections to treat hair loss.
According to the National Association of Anti-Aging Physicians, hair growth often occurs within four weeks of beginning this treatment.
This can also be used to treat eyebrow Hypotrichosis.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil and Corticosteroids jointly treat hair loss.
When a 5% Minoxidil solution is used topically twice daily, it is minimally effective.
It may be advantageous to mix with Corticosteroids for improved results.
Hair transplant or microblading
Hair transplantation and microblading can be used. This does not promote hair renewal, although it can make the eyebrows appear fuller.
Side effects of Bimatoprost
Bimatoprost used for any purpose, be it eye disorder or eyelash growth, can cause potential side effects.
These side effects include
- Blurred vision
- Pain in the eyes
- Itchy eyes
- Darker skin around the eyes
- Increased eyelash growth
- Redness
- Swelling of eyes
- Discoloration of the iris
- Watering eyes
Many patients who use these medications do not experience serious side effects.
However, if you have any adverse effects, visit your doctor immediately.
Also Read: Careprost Eyelash Serum
Who cannot use Bimatoprost
If you are already receiving Glaucoma treatment, consult your doctor about using it.
Your existing medicines may exacerbate the adverse effects of Bimatoprost.
You should avoid taking it if you suffer from Uveitis, Macular Edema, or Conjunctivitis.
Final thoughts
During clinical trials to treat Open-Angle Glaucoma, it was found that Bimatoprost worked well as an eyelash serum.
It has been shown that a course of Bimatoprost helps eyelash hair follicles go from being dormant to growing quickly.
There are numerous alternatives to Bimatoprost which include Latanoprost, Travoprost, Tafluprost
Bimatoprost is available on prescription at many trusted online pharmacies.