What are blepharospasms?

At Southside Eye Care in Chesapeake, VA, we work routinely with patients who are dealing with certain eye concerns. One condition that is commonly seen is that of blepharospasms. Blepharospasms are essentially spasms of the eye that cause one or both eyes to twitch. In some patients, it can become so severe that they are unable to open one or both eyes, resulting in functional blindness. Diagnosis and treatment is a phone call away!

What can I expect if I have blepharospasms?
Blepharospasms can affect one or both eyes. It may be anywhere from mild eye twitching to severe closing of the eyes, which happens uncontrollably. The condition is often seen more often in women after the age of 50, and it is unknown what causes a patient to be a higher risk of developing blepharospasm. However, if it is impacting a patient’s confidence or quality of life, treatment should be considered.

What treatments are available for blepharospasms?

Mild cases of blepharospasms are often monitored over time and can be a mild inconvenience for some patients. However, if it progresses into the later stages, it can become extremely problematic. In cases like this, our doctors may recommend Botox injections.

While many patients consider Botox injections as a cosmetic treatment offered for anti-aging, it can also be used in other areas of medicine. Botox is a neurotoxin that, when injected into certain muscles, can cause these muscles to relax. This is what makes Botox perfect for patients with blepharospasms. When a doctor injects Botox into the muscles surrounding the eyes, it can cause them to relax, eliminating the spasms. This can be incredibly lifechanging for patients who have dealt with severe spasms and eye twitching for many years, or experienced increased severity with time. Patients can have Botox injections done regularly to maintain the results and cause the spasms to subside.

Do you deal with eye twitching?

Chesapeake, VA  patients who are dealing with eye twitching and want to get a proper evaluation performed are encouraged to book a consultation visit with the team at Southside Eye Care. Call (757) 484-0101 to request an appointment at 3206 Churchland Boulevard.