Blepharospasm is a focal dystonia characterized by involuntary closure of the eyelids

Blepharospasm is a focal dystonia characterized by involuntary closure of the eyelids. It usually affects both orbicularis oculi, and can progress into causing significant disability. It may occur in isolation, or be associated with other dystonias.

■■■Adequate treatment of blepharospasm is necessary to allow maintenance of quality of life, avoid functional blindness, and to prevent complications such as corneal abrasions and dermatochalasis.

■■■How is blepharospasm treated?
There are a few options for treating blepharospasm.
■The most effective treatment is botulinum toxin injections (shots), a muscle-relaxing substance.
■A very slender needle is used to inject the medicine into muscles above and below the eye.
■There are 3 approved injection sites for BOTOX® in the treatment of blepharospasm
:black_small_square:Lateral in Upper Lid “lateral pretarsal orbicularis oculi of the upper lid”.
:black_small_square:Lateral in Lower Lid “lateral pretarsal orbicularis oculi of the lower lid”.
:black_small_square:Medial in Upper Lid "medial pretarsal orbicularis oculi of the upper lid.
■Initial effect of the injections is generally seen within 3 days and reaches a peak 1 to 2 weeks post treatment. This relief lasts about 3 months.

■■■It is to be noted that, blepharospasm was the first indication approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the use of Botulinum Neurotoxin (BOTOX) in 1989.