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Blepharospasm |
| Definition: |
| Blepharospasm is the repetitive contraction of eyelid muscles in a rhythmic fashion. In some instances, the eyelid may repeatedly close or attempt to close. |
| Alternative Names: |
| Eye twitch; Eye spasm |
| Causes, incidence, and risk factors: |
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The most common causes of muscle twitching in the eyelid are fatigue, stress, and caffeine. Once the spasms begin, they may continue intermittently for a day to more than a week, then disappear. Most people experience this type of eyelid twitch on occasion and find it extremely annoying. It usually stops suddenly, without even noticing it. Another form of blepharospasm, lasts much longer, is very uncomfortable, and can close the eyelids completely. |
| Symptoms: |
| A person experiences repetitive, uncontrollable twitching or spasms of the eyelid, usually the upper lid. Also, a person can become very sensitive to the light or have blurry vision. |
| Signs and tests: |
| Examination by an ophthalmologist is indicated for severe spasms and lid closure, or spasms which last more than a couple days. |
| Treatment: |
| The condition usually disappears without treatment. Increased sleep, decreased caffeine, and lubricating eye drops can help. If severe, small injections of Botulinum toxin can temporarily cure the spasms. |
| Support Groups: |
|
Benign Essential Blepharospasm Research Foundation, Inc. |
| Expectations (prognosis): |
| Full resolution is expected within a few days. |
| Complications: |
| Permanent eye injury from unrecognized cornea injury (rare) is possible. |
| Calling your health care provider: |
| Call your health care provider or eye doctor (ophthalmologist) if you experience eyelid twitching that does not go away in 1 week or twitching that involves the entire face. |
| Prevention: |
| Most cases are not preventable. |
Reviewed By: Raymond S. Douglas, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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