About Blepharospasm

Blepharospasm or eyelid twitch is a repetitive and involuntary spasm of the eyelid muscles. Twitching usually occurs in the upper eyelid but can appear on both eyelids up and down. Spasms can be felt differently on everyone, some patients feel the spasms very mild and some experience it strong enough to close the eyelid completely. Some patients have no noticeable signs. Spasms occur every few seconds for a minute or so. Times when the spasm is going to occur cannot be predicted but they often occur on and off for several days and they may not be experienced for many days or weeks. There is no pain or harm caused by the twitching but it can be a nuisance. Eyelid spasms can be an early sign of chronic movement disorder especially if the spasms are occurring with other facial twitches or uncontrolled movements. Eyelid spasms can be caused or made worse by the following

  • Eye irritation
  • Eyelid irritation (conjunctiva)
  • Fatigue
  • Lack of sleep
  • Physical exertion
  • Side effects of medication
  • Stress
  • Alcohol, tobacco or caffeine

If the spasms become chronic then patients may experience a benign essential Blepharospasm, which is chronic and uncontrollable eyelid movement that affects both eyes. Benign essential Blepharospasm spasms can get worse by

  • Inflammation of the eyelid (blepharitis)
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Dry eyes
  • Environmental irritants like wind, sun, bright light
  • Fatigue
  • Light sensitivity
  • Stress

Benign essential Blepharospasm is more common in women than men. This condition can cause

  • Blurry vision
  • Increased sensitivity to light
  • Facial spasms

Eyelid spasms can also be a symptom of a serious brain or nerve disorder. Brain and nerve disorders that can cause eyelid twitches are

Bell’s palsy (facial palsy) – one side of the face droops downward

Dystonia – causes unexpected muscle spasms which cause the affected areas body part to twist or contort

Cervical dystonia – causes the neck to spasm randomly and heat to twist into uncomfortable positions

Parkinson’s disease – disease that causes limb trembling, muscle stiffness, balance problems and difficulty speaking

Tourette syndrome – condition characterized by involuntary movement and verbal tics

Blepharospasm Procedure

Benign essential Blepharospasm is most of the time treated with botulinum toxin (Botox) injections. The injection can ease sever spasms for a few months, once the effect of injection wears off patients may need further injections. It is also possible to have a surgery which the muscles and nerves in the eyelid is removed (myectomy). The surgery is able to treat more severe cases of benign essential Blepharospasm. Treatments like acupuncture, hypnosis and nutrition therapy can also help ease the symptoms of benign essential Blepharospasm.

Suitable Patients for Blepharospasm

Patients between 12 and 65 are suitable for the surgery as long as they are at a good health condition and are healthy both mentally and physically.

Before the Blepharospasm surgery

There are no special requirements before the surgery unless told by the ophthalmologist.

After the Blepharospasm surgery

• Improvement of the symptoms will be visible after 3 days of the surgery

• The effects of the injections can last up to 6 months and can be redone

• There may be a slight pain around the injection area – cold compress can be done to reduce pain

• Patients must take any medication prescribed by the surgeon

Risks of Blepharospasm surgery

Like every surgery there is a possibility or risks like

  • Dry mouth
  • Discomfort or pain at injection site
  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Neck pain
  • Blurred vision
  • Swelling of the eyelids

Definition

Conjunctivitis – inflammation of the eyes conjunctiva

Fatigue – reduced efficiency of a muscle/organ

Acupuncture – alternative medicine that involves needles being inserted into the body

Hypnosis – a person looses power of action

First day of Blepharospasm Surgery

The patients will attend a consultation with the surgeon and will be advised about the procedure and their condition. The patient will then be taken through a couple of tests that are required before the treatment.

Blepharospasm Surgery will be performed using botinilum toxin, in severe cases of benign essential Blepharospasm, surgery will be performed which the muscles and nerves in the eyelid is being removed (myectomy). The surgery will take less than an hour to perform. The patient will return to their settlement for resting once they feel better.

Second day of Blepharospasm Surgery

Patients will attend a post surgery check up and consultation. If they are approved to be in a good, healthy condition and the surgery results were all successful; the patients are advised with post treatment care requirements and are ready to go back to their normal routine.

Notes

• Trip schedule may vary. medicTurkey patient relations will provide you a detailed trip schedule before the travel.

• For details on accommodation, transportation and other services, please check the SERVICES page.

What is a Blepharospasm?

Blepharospasm or eyelid twitch is a repetitive and involuntary spasm of the eyelid muscles. Twitching usually occurs in the upper eyelid but can appear on both eyelids up and down.

How is Blepharospasm surgery done?

Benign essential Blepharospasm is most of the time treated with botulinum toxin (Botox) injections.

How long does Blepharospasm surgery take?

The surgery usually takes less than an hour to perform.

Do I need to stay at hospital?

The surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis so the patient is sent home a few hours after the surgery.

How long do I need to stay in Turkey?

The recommended stay in Turkey for Blepharospasm is 2-3 days including consultation before the surgery and after the surgery.

Are there any risks of Blepharospasm surgery?

Like every surgery there are some risks such as

  • Dry mouth
  • Discomfort or pain at injection site
  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Neck pain
  • Blurred vision
  • Swelling of the eyelids

When can I return to work?

Patients are able to return to work the next day from the surgery as long as they are feeling comfortable.

Devices used in Blepharospasm

There are no special devices used in Blepharospasm surgery apart from Botinilum Toxin (Botox).

Operation Price Stay in hospital Stay in Turkey
Blepharospasm Please PRESS to learn All Inclusive Package prices The surgery is done on an outpatient basis 1-2 Days