Blepharospasm, a Treatment Guide for Botulinum Toxin Use

Blepharospasms, also known as an uncontrollable eye twitches, are commonly the result of a lack of sleep, excessive caffeine intake or even lack of eye lubrication. However, when prolonged over several days treatment may be required. When considering treatment options consider the use of botulinum toxin to provide a cure to these progressive and debilitating spasms. Blepharospasms, when left untreated, can result in severe, uncontrollable eye twitching leading to irritation of the cornea and membrane linings of the eyelids. Without appropriate treatment, permanent damage may ensue. With appropriate treatment, monitoring of symptoms and knowledge of side effects, botulinum toxin may be the ideal treatment in alleviating symptoms and curing the spasms. Without this treatment, eye twitches can lead to progressive and permanant conditions such as blurred vision or sensitivity to light. In the appropriate dosing formulas, botulinum toxin is not considered poisonous and will provide relief.

Traditionally, botulinum toxin has been known as a bacterial toxin which can paralyze the body and, in some cases, result in death. However, following further research, it has been determined a more pure form may prove effective in the treatment of involuntary muscle contractions such as blepharospasms. In 1989, the FDA approved botulinum toxin in the treatment of symptoms of eye conditons. Botulinum toxin’s effectiveness is found in its ability to negate symptoms of involuntary muscle contractions through its ability to bind to nerve ends where the nerves join muscle tissue. By doing so, the involuntary movement of the eye muscle is restricted.

Dosing of botulinum toxin injections will vary depending on the need of the patient. However, following the initial injection the effects are usually immediate but may require several additional injections to result in a complete resolution of the blepharospasm symptoms.

As with any disease, prevention is the key to maintaining good health. Seeking medical attention at the onset of involuntary eye twitches will provide your physician with an opportunity for early diagnosis into a possible eye disorder and begin to outline a treatment plan. For quick and speedy recovery, do not fear the use of botulinum toxin as it may be the treatment to end the progression of the eye disorder with only a few treatments.