Blepharospasm

Blepharospasm is a neurological condition characterized by involuntary and excessive blinking of the eyelids. It occurs due to spasms of the muscle that controls blinking, known as the orbicularis oculi. The exact cause of blepharospasm is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve abnormal functioning of the basal ganglia, a part of the brain responsible for controlling movement.

Symptoms of Blepharospasm

  • The symptoms of blepharospasm typically start as mild and occasional blinking but tend to worsen over time, becoming more severe and frequent.

  • Some patients may also experience spasms in the muscles of their face and neck, beyond just the eyelids.

  • Certain triggers, such as bright light or stress, can exacerbate the spasms.

  • While most individuals have symptoms affecting both sides of the face, in some cases, the condition may be more pronounced on one side.

  • The spasms may lessen during sleep or when the person is focused on a specific task.

Treatment

The treatment for blepharospasm depends on the severity of the symptoms.

  1. Mild symptoms: For mild cases, avoiding triggers, such as wearing sunglasses to reduce bright light exposure, can be helpful. Additionally, addressing co-existing dry eye symptoms with the use of topical lubricants can provide relief.

  2. Moderate to severe symptoms: Botox (Botulinum toxin) injections are often the treatment of choice for more severe cases of blepharospasm. Botox is injected into the affected muscles around the eyes to block nerve signals and reduce muscle spasms. This treatment is effective in relieving symptoms in around 80% of patients and typically needs to be repeated at regular intervals.

  3. Surgery: In cases where Botox is not effective or loses its effectiveness over time, surgical intervention may be considered. Surgical procedures involve selectively weakening the muscles responsible for the spasms to reduce their impact on eyelid closure.

It's essential for individuals experiencing symptoms of blepharospasm to seek medical evaluation and diagnosis from a qualified healthcare professional, preferably a neurologist or ophthalmologist.