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What Is Blepharospasm And What Are The Treatment Options?
Not many people have heard of blepharospasm but it affects lots of people all over the world.
The condition involves involuntary eyelid twitching and is caused by neurological issues, with the nervous system controlling the spasming of the eye. The good news is there are treatments available for blepharospasm.
To find out more, read on.
There are two types of blepharospasm - primary and secondary. The former is also called benign essential blepharospasm, which although it is not dangerous, can have a big impact on daily life.
The latter is when it is the symptom of another condition, such as Meige syndrome, Parkinsons, inflammation disorders, photophobia, or some medications.
To determine whether it is blepharospasm or not, patients typically blink more than most people even when they are not experiencing spasms. It also affects both eyelids and can be improved by doing sensory ticks, such as humming or singing.
The basal ganglia part of the brain that looks after movements is likely to be affected, which is why the eyelids twitch. Alternatively, it could be caused when the cranial nerve VII, which carries nerve signals to the eyelid muscles, is not functioning properly.
Females between the ages of 40 and 70 are more likely to get benign essential blepharospasm than other groups.
It is also common to develop it if someone else in the family has it too, though stress, fatigue, past eye injuries, conditions with the nervous system, and some mental health issues, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and anxiety, are linked with benign essential blepharospasm.
Although the exact cause remains unknown, it is thought to affect five in every 100,000 people.
It most commonly occurs in the daytime, particularly when the patient is concentrating on a screen or book. However, for some people, this can improve symptoms.
Some people experience involuntary shutting of the eyelids, which can pull the eyebrows down as well. This can be very challenging to live with, as it can affect driving, reading, working and watching TV.
Additionally, some people might need larger doses as time goes on, as they could become used to the treatment.
Learning how to relax, such as by practising meditation or mindfulness, getting more sleep, cutting down on caffeinated drinks and eating a better diet could improve symptoms of blepharospasm.
The lenses have a pinkish tint and work well for those whose condition is triggered by bright lights.
People with blepharospasm often undergo one of these treatments, as there is no cure for the condition without intervention. However, it is important to consider all the options when deciding which option is right for you.
The condition involves involuntary eyelid twitching and is caused by neurological issues, with the nervous system controlling the spasming of the eye. The good news is there are treatments available for blepharospasm.
To find out more, read on.
Blepharospasm explained
Blepharospasm typically begins with small eyelid twitches, but it can worsen and may even force eyelids shut, rendering patients unable to do things like driving. It can also cause other parts of the face to twitch.There are two types of blepharospasm - primary and secondary. The former is also called benign essential blepharospasm, which although it is not dangerous, can have a big impact on daily life.
The latter is when it is the symptom of another condition, such as Meige syndrome, Parkinsons, inflammation disorders, photophobia, or some medications.
To determine whether it is blepharospasm or not, patients typically blink more than most people even when they are not experiencing spasms. It also affects both eyelids and can be improved by doing sensory ticks, such as humming or singing.
What is the cause of benign essential blepharospasm?
Benign essential blepharospasm is a neurological issue, caused when the brain fails to control the eye muscles correctly.The basal ganglia part of the brain that looks after movements is likely to be affected, which is why the eyelids twitch. Alternatively, it could be caused when the cranial nerve VII, which carries nerve signals to the eyelid muscles, is not functioning properly.
Females between the ages of 40 and 70 are more likely to get benign essential blepharospasm than other groups.
It is also common to develop it if someone else in the family has it too, though stress, fatigue, past eye injuries, conditions with the nervous system, and some mental health issues, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and anxiety, are linked with benign essential blepharospasm.
Although the exact cause remains unknown, it is thought to affect five in every 100,000 people.
What are the symptoms?
Blepharospasm involves the eyelids spasming, whether they blink, twitch, shut, or squint. However, it can become worse when the patient is tired, driving, looking at bright lights or being exposed to pollution.It most commonly occurs in the daytime, particularly when the patient is concentrating on a screen or book. However, for some people, this can improve symptoms.
Some people experience involuntary shutting of the eyelids, which can pull the eyebrows down as well. This can be very challenging to live with, as it can affect driving, reading, working and watching TV.
How can blepharospasm be treated?
The good news is that blepharospasm can be treated in several ways, helping to relieve the symptoms for patients:Botox for blepharospasm treatment
One of the treatments involves injecting Botox into the eyelid muscles to help them to relax and stop contracting. This can prove effective in lots of patients within a few days, but it only lasts for three to four months before needing to be topped up again.Additionally, some people might need larger doses as time goes on, as they could become used to the treatment.
Stress management
Making changes to your lifestyle could have a positive effect on symptoms, as stress could be making the spasms worse.Learning how to relax, such as by practising meditation or mindfulness, getting more sleep, cutting down on caffeinated drinks and eating a better diet could improve symptoms of blepharospasm.
Tinted lenses
Some doctors might suggest tinted lenses as these filter certain light wavelengths, such as blue.The lenses have a pinkish tint and work well for those whose condition is triggered by bright lights.
Medication
Diazepam or lithium could also be prescribed, although the effectiveness of medication can vary between sufferers. What’s more, patients need to weigh up the pros and cons of taking medication, as the side effects could have a more negative impact on their life than the eyelid twitching in the first place.Surgery
If these do not work, another option is to have surgery called myectomy to permanently thin the eyelid or eyebrow muscles. This works by removing some of the nerve tissue or the muscle to weaken it so it does not twitch.People with blepharospasm often undergo one of these treatments, as there is no cure for the condition without intervention. However, it is important to consider all the options when deciding which option is right for you.
