Is your eyelid twitching?
Why is this happening & what can you do about it?
‘Blepharospasm’ is the name given to an abnormal, involuntary blinking or spasm of the eyelids. Blepharospasm is associated with an abnormal function of the basal ganglion (The basal ganglion is the part of the brain responsible for controlling the muscles!) from an unknown cause.
Blepharospasm can develop without warning & may begin with a gradual increase in blinking or eye irritation. As the condition progresses, the symptoms become more frequent and can lead to facial spasms.
Thankfully treatment is available for this often frustrating condition, which can also cause fatigue, emotional tension or sensitivity to bright light. Blepharospasm is treated by injecting Botulinum Toxin or Botox into the muscles of the eyelids, which paralyses these muscles. It is important to note that while this treatment is highly effective for this condition, it only provides relatively short term relief; We generally achieve good results for at least 3 months following an injection of Botox.
Dr Peter Martin is our resident Oculo-plastics guru & Dr Clare Fraser, our Neuro-Ophthalmologist. We hold clinics at Sydney Ophthalmic Specialists specifically for Botox injections – for further information & any inquiries about this procedure please call our clinic on (02) 9241 2913.
- An example of before and After Botox
image courtesy of www.theestheticclinic.com
A fine needle is used to inject Botox into muscle at several points around the eyelid area.
Dr Clare Fraser
Image courtesy of http://www.clarefraser.com/