Blepharospasm is a condition of the brain that affects your vision. It is a progressive neurological disorder that causes spasms and involuntary muscle contractions. This condition causes an increased frequency of how often you open and close your eyelids.

The average adult blinks at a rate of 10 to 20 times per minute. A person with blepharospasm has to deal with twitching and repetitive movements in their eyelid muscles. If you do not find a brain condition treatment, then it could lead to severe visual impairment. Read on to find out how to treat blepharospasm with botulinum toxin injections.

What Are The Signs Of This Condition?

Blepharospasm is one of those conditions that can sneak up on you because it occurs gradually. You may start to experience irritation in your eyes and the occasional eye blinking. For example, you may experience muscle spasms during the day and it disappears when sleeping, but reappear when you wake up.

As your condition progresses, the spasms will become more intense. It will force your eyelids to remain closed for extended periods of time. This results in you not being able to see. It helps to understand that this blindness is caused by the uncontrollable closing of your eyelids not because of a medical problem with your eyes. Other symptoms may include squinting of the eyes, sensitivity to light, involuntary winking and difficulty with keeping your eyes open.

What Is Botulinum Toxin?

Botulinum toxin is created by the bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. It blocks nerve impulses that are transmitted from the nerve endings of your muscles, which weakens your muscles. This toxin is one of the ways to treat blepharospasm.  

How Does It Work?

To treat blepharospasm, small doses of botulinum toxin are injected into your muscles. These injections are made to several sites above and below your eyes. The injection sites tend to vary from patient to patient. Your doctor also may have a preference of where he likes to inject the toxin. Common injection sites include the brow, eyelid and under your lower eyelid. This treatment is effective when given in small doses and when carried out over a standard period of time.

Your eyes allow you to see the world. They can protect you from danger and show you something majestic. If you have a condition that is preventing you from seeing clearly, then you should make an appointment with your doctor.

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