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Blepharospasm

Focal dystonia causing involuntary, forceful eyelid closure that interferes with vision.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Göz Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Blepharospasm?

Blepharospasm is a focal dystonia characterized by involuntary, sustained or repetitive contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle, causing forceful eyelid closure. Benign essential blepharospasm (BEB) typically begins in middle to late adulthood and may progress to functional blindness if severe. The pathophysiology involves dysfunction in the basal ganglia-thalamocortical circuits.

Symptoms often begin with increased blink frequency and eye irritation that progresses to spasmodic eyelid closure. Triggers include bright light, stress, fatigue and reading. Blepharospasm may be primary (idiopathic) or secondary to medications (dopamine antagonists), Parkinson disease, multiple sclerosis or brainstem lesions. Meige syndrome combines blepharospasm with oromandibular dystonia.

Symptoms

Increased blink frequency
Involuntary forceful eyelid closure
Eye irritation and dry eye sensation
Functional blindness during severe spasms
Photophobia and light sensitivity
Difficulty driving, reading or watching TV
Spasms worse with stress, fatigue or bright light
Geste antagoniste (touching face) may relieve spasms

Risk Factors

Female gender (2-3 times more common)
Age over 50 years
Family history of dystonia
Dry eye syndrome and blepharitis
Prior eye surgery or trauma
Dopamine antagonist medications
Parkinson disease and atypical parkinsonism
Stress, anxiety and sleep deprivation

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Persistent involuntary eye closure
  • Spasms interfering with daily activities
  • Functional blindness from forced closure
  • New onset blepharospasm in young adults
  • Associated facial or jaw movements
  • Spasms worsening despite treatment

Treatment Methods

01
Comprehensive neurologic and ophthalmologic examination
02
MRI brain to rule out secondary causes
03
Treatment of dry eye and ocular surface disease
04
Botulinum toxin A injections every 3-4 months (first-line)
05
Targeted injection of orbicularis oculi muscle
06
Oral medications: clonazepam, baclofen, trihexyphenidyl
07
Myectomy of orbicularis oculi for refractory cases
08
Deep brain stimulation in severe Meige syndrome
09
Tinted lenses for photophobia
10
Stress management and sleep hygiene

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Göz Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.