By 
Did you know that back in 2020, there were over 4.4 million cosmetic BoNTA injections administered in the US? BoNTA, in turn, stands for botulinum toxin type A, and it includes the super-popular brand Botox.
While most famous for its cosmetic benefits, Botox also has several medical uses. It can help ease spasms, which causes involuntary muscle contraction.
So, does that include eyelid twitching? Can Botox also help with that?
Read on as this guide answers all those questions and more.
Can Botox Help With Eyelid Twitching?
Yes, Botox can help control eyelid twitching caused by benign essential blepharospasm (BEB). Indeed, it’s one of the two rare eye conditions that Botox can treat. Strabismus, according to is the other one.
Also called blepharospasm, BEB is a form of dystonia, a group of muscle movement disorders. It causes uncontrolled muscle tension, which is how it causes involuntary eyelid twitching. About 2,000 people in the US alone get diagnosed with it every year.
How Do Botox Injections Treat Blepharospasm?
Botox injections contain a purified toxin derived from a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. In minute doses, the drug blocks nerve signals flowing to and from the muscles in the treatment area. That causes a temporary weakening or paralysis of the muscles injected with it.
Thus, Botox can help reduce eye muscle contractions if injected into twitching eyelids.
Why Choose Botox Treatment for Blepharospasm?
Over time, severe eye muscle spasms can progress to uncontrollable blinking. Twitching alone can impair your vision, but it’s even worse if your eye closes completely. That can block your eyesight, which is dangerous, especially while driving.
Untreated chronic blepharospasm may also become severe enough to require myectomy. It is a minor yet invasive surgery involving the removal of eyelid muscle or nerve tissues. It can cost thousands of dollars, and since it’s surgical, it carries more risk than injections.
Botox injections are minimally invasive and don’t need lengthy preparation. For the same reason, there’s minimal downtime, if any, after the procedure. It also costs less than myectomy, but you may need repeat injections every three to four months.
Signs You Need Blepharospasm Treatment
Stress, sleep deficiency, dry eye, and excessive caffeine intake can cause eyelid twitching. In such cases, the contractions usually go away on their own.
If the spasms persist for more than a few weeks, you may have blepharospasm. The same goes if the twitching makes your eyelids close all the way. You may even experience jerky muscles in other parts of your face.
See a doctor as soon as those symptoms arise. The earlier you get your eyelids treated, the higher their odds of responding to Botox. That, in turn, reduces your likelihood of having to undergo more invasive surgery.
Consider Medical Botox for Eyelid Twitching
As you can see, Botox can do more than ease aging skin signs, such as facial wrinkles. It can also help temporarily minimize or even stop eyelid twitching caused by BEB. Moreover, it can treat other conditions, including strabismus, abnormal excessive sweating, and headaches.
So, if you think you have blepharospasm, consider Botox as your first-line treatment.
Did you like this article? If so, you’re sure to love our other guides, so feel free to check them out now!
