Blepharospasm is an abnormality in the contraction of the eyelid muscles, so that the eyes continue to twitch or blink. In the severe stage, blepharospasm can make the eyelid completely closed so that the patient cannot see.
This condition is quite rare. It is estimated, there are only 15-100 cases of blepharospasm per one million people. Blepharospasm can happen to anyone, but more in women or middle age people, which is around 40-60 years.
Understanding the Causes of Blepharospasm
Until now, the cause of blepharospasm is unknown. This condition generally occurs suddenly for no apparent reason. However, a number of theories suspect that blepharospasm is caused by a disruption in the control center of movement in the brain (basal ganglia), and that this disorder is influenced by genetic factors.
There are a number of conditions that can increase the risk of blepharospasm, namely:
- Dry eye, common before blepharospasm or can also occur simultaneously.
- Various eye disorders, ranging from blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids), uveitis, conjunctivitis, and photophobia.
- Fatigue, lack of sleep, and stress.
- Excessive consumption of caffeine or alcohol.
- Smoking habit.
- Injury to the head or face
- Take certain medications, such as drugs for Parkinson's disease, psychosis, or epilepsy.
- Nerve disorders or disorders of the brain, such as dystonia, Tourette's syndrome, Parkinson's disease, and Bell’s palsy.
Various Types of Blepharospasm According to Severity
There are three types of blerafospasm according to the severity, namely:
Twitch
Is the most mild condition of blepharospasm. This condition occurs temporarily and is generally triggered by fatigue or stress.
Benign essential
It is a chronic spasm of the eyelid muscles, which can even cause the lid to close for several hours. This condition is most commonly referred to as blepharospasm.
Half facial spasms
At this stage, muscle spasms have spread to the mouth and tongue. However, this type of blepharospasm, also called Meige syndrome, is a rare condition.
Appropriate Management of Blepharospasm
Blepharospasm can occur temporarily, disappear and arise, or last for a long time (chronic). You are advised to see a doctor if you experience eye twitching or continue to blink for more than one week.
The doctor will confirm this condition by tracing the history of the complaint that you are experiencing, as well as carrying out a careful eye and nerve examination. If you really experience blepharospasm, your doctor may recommend the following steps to deal with it:
1. Manage stress
Stress can aggravate blepharospasm. Therefore, you are encouraged to manage stress well. The method is to meet the needs of sleep and rest, learn relaxation techniques (yoga or meditation), and positive thinking.
2. Taking drugs
Drugs that are generally given are sedatives, such as clonazepam, lorazepam, or trihexyphenidyl. These drugs are used to relax the muscles of the eyelid that are over-contracting in people with blepharospasm.
3. Do Botox injections (botolinum toxin)
Botox injections are performed to weaken the muscles of the eyelid so that the muscles do not contract continuously. The injection effect can last for four months.
4. Perform myectomy surgical procedures
This procedure can be chosen if other methods of treatment are not successful. This operation is done by lifting some or all of the muscles and nerves in the eyelids and eyebrows that function to squint. The success rate of this operation to overcome blepharospasm is around 80%.
Blepharospasm is a disorder of the eyelid that should be treated immediately, because it can get worse over time. Blepharospasm complaints can be consulted with an ophthalmologist or neurologist, so that an examination can be done and given the right treatment.
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