Symptoms:
Blepharospasm is characterised by involuntary eyelid twitching, blinking, closure, or squeezing that patients cannot control.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis of blepharospasm is primarily based on clinical presentation and patient-reported symptoms, often involving specific questions about involuntary eye closure and eyelid movements.
Treatment:
The primary treatment for blepharospasm is neurotoxin injections (such as BoNT) into the affected eyelid muscles, which temporarily weaken the muscles to reduce spasms and provide symptom relief.
Blepharospasm, or benign essential blepharospasm (BEB), is a neurological condition where the muscles controlling the eyelids contract involuntarily, leading to rapid, uncontrollable blinking or twitching, or tight eyelid closure.
This is the full medical term for what we call blepharospasm. It usually affects both eyes causing them to involuntarily close up, and is worse in stressful situations and when the eyes are dry.
This is a unilateral involuntary blepharospasm around the eyes and face on one side. In this article, we will include it in the general term blepharospasm as the treatments are similar.
The exact cause remains unknown, though it primarily affects both eyes and is not associated with other medical conditions.
Blepharospasm happens when something goes wrong in the parts of the brain or nerves that control eyelid movements. Doctors aren’t entirely sure why it happens, but it may be linked to issues in the brain’s movement centre (the basal ganglia) or misfiring of a nerve that controls the eyelids.
Blepharospasm sometimes runs in families and mainly affects women between 40 and 60. It can also be triggered by certain conditions or factors, like eye irritation (dry eyes or eyelid inflammation), sensitivity to bright light, certain medications, or other movement disorders.
Blepharospasm causes uncontrollable involuntary twitching, blinking, or squeezing of both eyelids, often starting with mild twitches that become stronger and more frequent over time.
The spasms may eventually close the eyes completely, impacting daily activities like reading or driving. Common triggers include fatigue and bright lights, and symptoms often lessen briefly with “sensory tricks” like touching the face or focusing on a task.
Unlike other eye-twitching conditions, blepharospasm affects both eyes at once, (note hemi-facial spasm is unilateral) follows a noticeable pattern, and may lead to temporary vision loss in advanced cases due to an inability to open the eyes.
Unlike common eyelid tics that often resolve on their own, blepharospasm is chronic and can become severe over time.
Blepharospasm has no cure, but treatments can help manage symptoms. BoNT injections are the most common treatment, relaxing eyelid muscles to reduce twitching, typically lasting 3–4 months.
If injections aren’t effective, surgery may be considered, removing parts of eyelid muscles to reduce spasms, which helps most patients.
Stress management, enough sleep, and limiting caffeine may also ease symptoms. In some cases, treating underlying issues like dry eye can reduce twitching.
Blepharospasm is a condition marked by involuntary eyelid spasms, which can significantly disrupt a person’s daily life. It usually occurs in adults and is regarded as a neurological disease which is exacerbated by external factors including ocular surface disease.
It causes reduced vision, discomfort, often sensitivity to light, headache and many other symptoms. There may be an inability to open the eyes, known as an apraxia of opening.
Patients are very self-conscious of their blepharospasm and often avoid social situations as a result.
Fortunately, BoNT has become a trusted treatment option for this condition, vastly improving patients’ lives.
BoNT is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When injected into specific muscles for medical indications such as blepharospasm, it temporarily blocks nerve signals, helping to reduce muscle activity and control spasms. For blepharospasm, BoNT weakens the muscles around the eyes just enough to limit spasm-causing signals without significantly affecting normal blinking, closure or appearance. In fact appearance is also usually improved as a beneficial positive effect!
Yes, BoNT is highly effective in treating blepharospasm and is considered the first-line treatment for this condition. Research shows that a majority of patients experience symptom improvement within 48 hours of injection, with peak effects occurring 1-2 weeks post-treatment and lasting 3 to 4 months.
It is best treated by experienced oculoplastic surgeons with much experience in this medical treatment.
Clinica London is a leading ophthalmological clinic on Harley Street, which offers exceptional care for all patients suffering from blepharospasm and hemifacial spasms. Our specialist oculoplastic surgeons, Ms Jane Olver and Ms Michelle Ting, provide unparalleled expertise in treating this challenging, albeit rare, condition.
Yes, BoNT is highly effective in treating blepharospasm and is considered the first-line treatment for this condition. Research shows that a majority of patients experience symptom improvement within 48 hours of injection, with peak effects occurring 1-2 weeks post-treatment and lasting 3 to 4 months.
It is best treated by experienced oculoplastic surgeons with much experience in this medical treatment.
Clinica London is a leading ophthalmological clinic on Harley Street, which offers exceptional care for all patients suffering from blepharospasm and hemifacial spasms. Our specialist oculoplastic surgeons provide unparalleled expertise in treating this challenging, albeit rare, condition.
While BoNT is the primary treatment for blepharospasm, along with oculo surface care. Alternative options include:
Many patients with blepharospasm also have dry eyes, which your consultant will address and advise re treatment.
A small number of patients require surgery for blepharospasm but fortunately this is exceedingly rare due to the excellent results of toxin injections and ancillary dry eye treatments.
If you’re seeking blepharospasm treatment from highly qualified specialists in a premium setting, Clinica London offers:
To begin your journey towards managing your blepharospasm at Clinica London:
By choosing Clinica London for your blepharospasm treatment, you can expect exceptional care from our team of oculoplastic experts dedicated to improving your quality of life. Clinica London´s unique combination of specialised knowledge, advanced treatments, and patient-centred approach truly sets them apart in the field of ophthalmology. We have a responsibility of care for delivering safe and effective treatments, in a clean, calm private medical clinic.
At Clinica London, we have a team of highly qualified Ophthalmic Surgeons with extensive experience in treating blepharospasm. Our state-of-the-art clinic is equipped with the latest technology and equipment to ensure the highest level of care for our patients.
Book a consultation with one of our highly qualified ophthalmic specialists:
Our clinic operates as a private surgery and is not affiliated with the NHS (National Health Service)
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All consultants and specialists at Clinica London see insured medical patients.
Initial mild spasms may progress to forceful, frequent closures of the eyelids, sometimes resulting in temporary functional blindness due to the inability to open the eyes.
BoNT treatment for blepharospasm typically involves:
The effects of BoNT treatment for blepharospasm typically last for about 3 to 4 months. However, individual results can vary, and some patients may experience shorter or longer-lasting effects. The Oculoplastic Consultant carefully assesses your response to treatment and alters injections accordingly.
While generally safe, some possible side effects of BoNT treatment include:
These side effects are typically mild and resolve on their own.
Most patients notice improvements within 2 to 3 days after their injection, with full effects usually seen within 1 to 2 weeks.
In many cases, you may qualify for initial private medical insurance cover because it is a medical and not a cosmetic condition. It is regarded as a neurological condition, often exacerbated by ocular surface issues.
BoNT is FDA-approved for treating blepharospasm, and many insurance providers cover the cost of initial treatment. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your specific insurance plan for coverage details, as some will not cover beyond the first treatment if they regard the condition as chronic. Some insurance companies do not cover this condition at all.
While BoNT is very effective in managing blepharospasm symptoms, it does not provide a permanent cure. Regular treatments are generally needed to maintain symptom relief.
Blepharospasm can be slowly progressive and require alterations in treatment over the years.
Most patients require injections every 3 to 4 months, though the exact frequency can vary depending on individual response to treatment.
Rarely, some patients may develop antibodies to BoNT over time (many years), which can reduce the effectiveness of BoNT injection. In such cases, your doctor will advise and adjust your dosage or explore alternative treatment options.
Clinica London is a leading ophthalmology and dermatology medical clinic. It has a sense of passion for helping patients. The clinic’s consultants are highly skilled professionals who have received British, European, and international awards in their respective fields. Clinica is honest and offers transparent treatment advice in a relaxed and comfortable environment.
Telephone: 020 7935 7990
International Callers : +44 20 7935 7990
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