Blepharospasm Dr Rob Hicks Blepharospasm is an involuntary contraction of one of the muscles that controls the eyelids, causing them to close. This prolonged closure obstructs vision and can leave someone effectively blind, despite the fact their eyes are otherwise normal.

In this article

What causes it?

What are the symptoms?

What's the treatment?

It's unclear precisely what causes blepharospasm, also known as benign essential blepharospasm. It's believed abnormal functioning of the part of the brain called the basal ganglia, which is involved with coordinating movement, is partly responsible.

Why the basal ganglia malfunctions isn't known. It may be related to chemical messenger transmission disturbance.

Blepharospasm can also occur as a consequence of other conditions, called secondary blepharospasm, including:

• Brain injury
• Adverse reaction to prescribed drugs
• Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis

Blepharospasm often occurs out of the blue for no specific reason. Rarely, it can run in families.

Excessive blinking and/or eye irritation usually signal the onset of blepharospasm.

Initially, it may only occur in response to triggers such as stress, tiredness or bright light.

If the condition progresses, the spasms happen more frequently. This not only makes performing everyday tasks difficult, but may make it impossible for the affected person to see at all.

Treatments include botulinum toxin injection, medical drug therapy and surgery.

Blepharospasm can be a side-effect of some drugs and changing medication can stop it.

Since stress, tiredness and bright light can trigger blepharospasm, avoiding these helps to lessen the chance of spasms occurring. Wearing sunglasses is often recommended, as is stress management.

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Rob Hicks in November 2007