Side effects of lumigan eye drops

Information about Lumigan

Lumigan is a medication whose main purpose is to reduce pressure in the eye. It reduces the pressure as it increases the amount of fluids drained from the eye. Lumigan is used for the treatment of glaucoma as well. Its other purposes include the treatment of a lack of eyelash growth by improving the color, fullness and the length of eyelashes. The condition is medically referred to as hypotrichosis.

Those who wear contact lenses should avoid using Lumigan because it contains certain chemical substances that may be absorbed by soft types of contact lenses. Lumigan may also cause gradual changes in the color of the eyes, eyelids and eyelashes and it may also increase the thickness and growth of eyelashes.

The dropper must not touch any surfaces because if it gets contaminated it may cause certain types of eye infection and further serious complications. Those who are allergic to bimatoprost should avoid using Lumigan. Pregnant women, breastfeeding women and women who plan to become pregnant should also avoid using Lumigan because its ingredient bimatoprost may be potentially harmful.

Side Effects of Lumigan

The most common ocular side effect of Lumigan is an increased brown pigment in the eyes due to the stimulated production of melanin in the melanocytes. The change is usually gradual and in some cases it may even be permanent as the pigmentation may affect entire parts of the iris. Sometimes a conjunctival hyperemia may occur as well.

Some rare cases have also involved side effects such as ocular burning, eyelash growth and ocular pruritus. Other ocular side effects may or may not include foreign body sensation, pigmentation of the periocular skin, increased iris pigmentation, tearing, conjunctival edema, cystoids macular edema, cataract, ocular dryness, eye discharge, photophobia, asthenopia, visual disturbance, intraocular inflammation, eye pain, allergic conjunctivitis, ocular irritation, blepharitis, eyelash darkening, eyelid erythema, and superficial punctuate keratitis.

The most common dermatologic side effects of Lumigan are increased thickness, pigmentation and length of eyelashes and in some cases the changes become permanent. Other side effects include brown pigmentation of the periorbital tissue, eyelid tissue and eyelashes. Some rare cases have included hirsutism, hypertrichosis of vellus hairs and poliosis.

There are also some respiratory side effects that may be triggered by the use of Lumigan and those include common colds and different types of infections that affect the upper respiratory tract. Side effects of the nervous system include headaches in certain cases. Some patients have experienced abnormal liver functioning and some rare cases have also included asthenia on the list of side effects of Lumigan.