Ophthalmologist & Facial Aesthetics
Ophthalmologist & Facial Aesthetics
Blepharospasm (benign essential blepharospasm) is the involuntary eyelid twitching/blinking that makes it difficult keeping the eyes open or closing them in a normal manner. It tends to be a debilitating condition that disrupts normal daily activities such as reading/driving. These twitches may affect only the eye area or form part of a syndrome affecting other parts of the face/ neck. It is more common in women above the age of 40.
The research into the causes of (benign essential) blepharospasm is ongoing, but the proposed cause is defective brain control of the eyelid/facial muscles. ‘Normal’ eyelid twitches can be caused by dry eye syndrome or a stimulation imbalance (lack if sleep, caffeine, stress), which resolve on their own once the underlying cause is managed. Other medical conditions can also be associated with eyelid twitching such as Tourettes or Parkinson’s. However, these twitches are not Benign essential blepharospasm which is a rare & long-standing condition.
Benign essential blepharospasm is usually treated with injections of botulinum toxin which causes paralysis of the abnormal twitching muscles. This eliminates the twitching for 3-4 months until the injection needs to be repeated again. The injections are virtually painless and well received.
Botulinum toxin injections are virtually painless and have minimal risks. These risks are mostly transient in nature:
▪ Dry eye syndrome
▪ Bruising
▪ An eyelid droop (ptosis).
▪ Double vision.
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