Glaucoma drug found to boost eyelash growth

Researchers at Southampton’s university hospitals have discovered that a drug used to treat glaucoma also boosts the growth and prominence of eyelashes.

In a year-long trial among 368 primarily female patients, Southampton General Hospital and Saint Louis University analysed the effects of applying bimatoprost to the upper eyelid of patients with poor eyelash growth, known as idiopathic hypotrichosis, and for eyelash loss as a result of chemotherapy.

Eyelash length in those with idiopathic hypotrichosis increased from 5.69mm to 7.12mm after six months and thickness from 0.79mm² to 1.30mm². For patients with eyelash loss as a result of chemotherapy treatment, length increased from 4.87mm to 6.84mm and thickness from 0.39mm² to 1.18mm² over the same period.