Blepharospasm

Blepharospasm, also referred to as benign essential blepharospasm, is a neurological condition causing involuntary muscle spasms of the eyelid with one or more symptoms such as abnormal blinking, twitching, or forced closure.

How Do You Treat Blepharospasm?

While the condition is rare, it can be disabling because it may begin to impact other muscles in the face.

Despite there being no cure for blepharospasm, there are some effective treatment options available to help patients manage the symptoms and reduce their severity.

A range of treatments, both surgical and nonsurgical, are utilized; however, the most widely used option involves injecting a botulinum toxin product with a fine needle to temporarily weaken the muscle spasms. Dr. Cox will assess the severity of your condition and create a treatment plan that is ideal for increasing your comfort level.

What Are the Benefits of Undergoing Treatment?

Because blepharospasm can lead to more serious issues, it is beneficial to treat this condition early to provide as much relief as possible. Early stages are often characterized by increased blinking stimulated by stress, fatigue, wind, or bright lights.

As it progresses, it can affect your ability to keep your eyes open for periods of time; and, in severe cases, it can lead to vision loss. The spasms may also cause contractions in the rest of the face, cheeks, lips, mouth, or jaw.

If you are experiencing symptoms of blepharospasm and would like to seek treatment in Boulder, CO by a board-certified ophthalmologist, Dr. Cox is a safe and experienced professional specializing in the treatment and prevention of eye disorders.

How Do I Know If I Am a Good Candidate?

If you are noticing any of the following symptoms, you may be an excellent candidate for the treatment of blepharospasm:

Your eyes are twitching for more than two weeks
When your eyes twitch, they close entirely for periods of time
You are noticing twitching developing in other facial areas

Although this condition can be tricky to diagnose, Dr. Cox will evaluate your eyes and take into account your medical history to assess which treatment path will be the safest and most effective.

What Can I Expect from the Procedure?

The most common treatment involves injecting a botulinum toxin product, such as BOTOX, into the affected muscles, in order to relax the spasms.

An anesthetic cream is available to decrease any pain from the injections. Treatments are recommended every 3-4 months for ongoing relief, and some patients may experience such long-lasting relief that they no longer need medical intervention.

Other suggested treatments may include:

Reducing day-to-day stress
Limiting eye strain by reducing the amount of time looking at screens
Using medications, such as muscle relaxants
Wearing tinted lenses
Surgery

Dr. Cox will confirm the most effective treatment path during your initial consultation.

What Is the Recovery Process?

Most patients experience relief from the spasms within 1-14 days, with results lasting for up to four months. There may be some bruising and swelling from the injections. Overall, the treatment is painless, but ice or cold compresses applied to the injection sites can soothe any discomfort. There is no downtime after the procedure, so you will be able to resume your regular activities right away.

FAQ

Can blepharospasm be prevented?

Is the BOTOX treatment safe?

Can blepharospasm be prevented?

Although there is no evidence of a proven way to prevent it entirely, reducing stress and eye strain can help lessen the symptoms of blepharospasm. Getting a full night’s sleep and consuming less caffeine may also help with the frequency of eyelid spasms.

Is the BOTOX treatment safe?

BOTOX injections are safe and minimally invasive. This treatment has been widely used to treat blepharospasm since the late 80s.

Blepharospasm

How Do You Treat Blepharospasm?

What Are the Benefits of Undergoing Treatment?

How Do I Know If I Am a Good Candidate?

What Can I Expect from the Procedure?

What Is the Recovery Process?

FAQ

Can blepharospasm be prevented?

Is the BOTOX treatment safe?

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