Blepharospasm | Eyelid Twitching

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

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.

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.