Blepharospasm relates to localized movement disorder in which a
person experiences uncontrolled eye twitching. Patients suffering from this
chronic eye muscle disease experience an involuntary clenching of muscles that
control the movement of eyelid, causing frequent lid closure. This condition
generally affects both eyes, affecting a person’s ability to perform routine
tasks, such as reading, writing, driving and working on computer.
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There is no cure for blepharospasm, though there are various
treatment options available that can help improve the condition. Botox
injections also offer lasting relief from uncontrollable eye blinking.
Botulinum toxin type A or Botox is primarily used to improve a person’s
cosmetic appearance by reducing or eliminating wrinkles and fine lines that
gradually appear on your face over time. But it is also FDA approved to treat
different health conditions, including blepharospasm.
Botulinum toxin is administered directly into the affected eye
muscles, using hair thin sterile needles. The neurotoxin temporarily paralyzes
the muscles causing frequent clenching, thereby relieving the muscle spasms
associated with blepharospasm. When you blink eye or close your lid, it is
because of the signals that the nerve cells send to your muscles. In blepharospasm
patients, nerve cells frequently send signals to the eye muscles, considerably
increasing your lid closure frequency. Botox treatment works by preventing
transmission of signals from nerve terminals to eye muscles.
The results of this kind of treatment last for up to 3 months,
depending on the severity of the disease and the physical strength of the
individual. Over 5 percent of patients sustain relief for more than six months,
while there are patients that require Botox shots as often as monthly – but
this is very rare.
Botox treatment is quite safe and if administered in the
presence of a board-certified, experienced eye specialist or plastic surgeon,
it rarely causes any side effects. However, getting the injection from an
amateur can cause potential side effects including, dry eyes, drooping eyelid,
crooked smile, difficulty in breathing or swallowing, headache and / or neck
pain. In worst case scenario, spread of toxin may also lead to botulism like
symptoms. So be very careful when choosing a clinician. Make sure that your
practitioner has a vast experience of treating situations similar to yours.
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