My
wife is constantly squeezing her eyes shut but she says she can’t control
this. What is wrong?
Answer:
Her
condition may be blepharospasm, a progressive neurological disorder
characterized by contractions and spasms of the eyelid muscles. This is usually a chronic condition
more common in women, normally appearing after age 50. The squeezing – versus normal blinking
– is an indicator of blepharospasm.
If you wife simply blinks repeatedly and involuntarily, the cause is
more likely due to dry eye, pyschogenic conditions, or a temporary condition
that can be resolved with medical care.
Blepharospasm is thought to be a result of miscommunication between the brain and the eyelid muscles. In most people this condition develops spontaneously, without any precipitating factors, usually affecting both eyes.
Blepharospasm usually begins with occasional eye blinking and twitching, and progresses into recurrent forceful closure of the eyelids. Though the eyes are healthy, functional visual impairment can result from an inability to keep the eyelids open. No definitive cause of blepharospasm has been determined, although it is usually exacerbated by stress, bright lights, fatigue, watching television, driving and social interactions. Sleeping, walking, talking, concentrating on a task and relaxation exercises may provide temporary relief of symptoms.
The
most common form of therapy for severe blepharospasm is the injection of small
amounts of botulinum toxin into the muscles around the eye. Botulinum toxin appears to be safe and
effective, but the results are temporary so the injections need to be repeated
every 3 to 4 months. Drug
treatment, dry eye treatment, and stress management techniques may be effective
in less severe cases.
John
Griffiths, MD
Midwest
Eye Care, PC
4353
Dodge Street
Omaha,
NE 68131
402-552-2020