Reconstructive Procedures

Blepharospasm Treatment

Regain Control of Your Eyelids

When your eyelids keep twitching, squeezing shut, or blinking uncontrollably, it’s more than just annoying – it can seriously interfere with your daily life. Blepharospasm is a condition where the muscles around your eyes go into spasms that you can’t control. Our team specializes in treating this frustrating condition with proven methods that can give you back control of your eyelids and dramatically improve your quality of life.

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What is Blepharospasm Treatment?

Blepharospasm is when the muscles around your eyes start acting up on their own, causing excessive blinking, eyelid twitching, or even forced closure of your eyes. It’s not something you’re doing on purpose – your brain is sending the wrong signals to your eyelid muscles, making them squeeze when they shouldn’t. This can make it hard to drive, read, watch TV, or do other normal activities. Some people can barely keep their eyes open during episodes.

The exact cause isn’t completely understood, but it seems to involve the part of your brain that controls muscle movement. Treatment focuses on calming down these overactive muscles so you can function normally again. Learn more about our consultation process to discuss the best treatment options for your specific situation.

What Can Blepharospasm Treatment Accomplish?

Treatment for blepharospasm can help with several problems:

  • Stop the uncontrollable eyelid spasms and excessive blinking
  • Let you keep your eyes open normally for reading and driving
  • Reduce the tired, strained feeling around your eyes
  • Get rid of the embarrassment of having your eyes act up in public

Blepharospasm Treatment Techniques

We have several effective ways to treat blepharospasm:

Botox Injections

This is usually our first choice and works really well for most people. We inject tiny amounts of Botox into the muscles around your eyes to relax them and stop the spasms. The treatment takes just a few minutes and typically lasts 3-4 months.

Oral Medications

Some medications can help reduce muscle spasms, though they don’t work as well as Botox for most people. These might be worth trying if you can’t have Botox for some reason.

Myectomy Surgery

For severe cases that don’t respond to other treatments, we can remove some of the problem muscle tissue. This is major surgery that we only consider when nothing else has worked.

Lid Crutches or Supports

These are special devices that can help hold your eyelids open when spasms are really bad. They’re more of a temporary solution while we work on other treatments.

Procedures Commonly Combined with Blepharospasm Treatment

Blepharospasm treatment sometimes works better with other approaches:

Stress Management

Since stress can make blepharospasm worse, we often recommend stress reduction techniques or counseling to help you manage triggers.

Dry Eye Treatment

Many people with blepharospasm also have dry eyes, which can make the spasms worse. Treating the dryness often helps reduce the muscle spasms too.

Eyelid Surgery

Sometimes people develop droopy eyelids from years of muscle spasms, and we might need to repair the eyelid position after getting the spasms under control.

Vision Therapy

Some patients benefit from working with vision therapists to retrain their visual system and reduce eye strain that might trigger spasms.

How Much Does Blepharospasm Treatment Cost?

Blepharospasm treatment is usually covered by insurance because it’s a medical condition that can significantly impact your ability to function normally. This includes Botox injections, medications, and surgery when needed. Most insurance companies recognize that this isn’t cosmetic – it’s a real neurological problem that needs treatment. We handle the insurance paperwork and get pre-authorization for your treatments. The key is having proper documentation that shows how much the condition is affecting your daily life.

Recovery & Results

Botox injections are done right in the office and take just a few minutes. You might have some minor bruising or swelling, but you can go back to normal activities right away. The effects usually start kicking in within a few days and peak at about two weeks. Most people get 3-4 months of relief before needing another treatment. Surgery recovery takes longer – about 2-3 weeks before you feel back to normal. The good news is that most people get excellent relief from their symptoms with the right treatment approach.

Candidates for Blepharospasm Treatment

You might benefit from blepharospasm treatment if you have:

  • Uncontrollable eyelid twitching or blinking that interferes with daily activities
  • Episodes where your eyes squeeze shut and you can’t open them
  • Difficulty driving, reading, or watching TV because of eyelid spasms
  • Eye strain and fatigue from constantly fighting muscle spasms

LEADERS IN OCULOFACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY IN HOUSTON, THE WOODLANDS, TX AND PENSACOLA, FL

Blepharospasm Treatment 1

Houston, TX Location

At our Houston office, we deliver advanced cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid surgery techniques in a welcoming environment. Our experienced team focuses on achieving natural-looking results tailored to each person’s unique anatomy and goals.

Blepharospasm Treatment 2

The Woodlands, TX Location

In The Woodlands, we offer consultations and clinic services, providing our expertise, artistry, and exceptional care to points north of Houston.

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Pensacola, FL Location

At our Pensacola office, we deliver advanced eyelid surgery techniques in a serene coastal environment. Our experienced team focuses on achieving natural-looking results tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy and aesthetic goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is blepharospasm the same as regular eyelid twitching?
No, they’re quite different. Most people get occasional eyelid twitches when they’re tired, stressed, or have had too much caffeine – these are harmless and go away on their own. Blepharospasm is much more severe and persistent. The spasms are stronger, last longer, and can actually force your eyes closed. It’s a real neurological condition that needs medical treatment.
How often will I need Botox injections for blepharospasm?
Most people need Botox treatments every 3-4 months to keep their symptoms under control. Some lucky folks get longer relief, while others might need treatments a bit more often. The good news is that many patients find the injections get more effective over time, and some even need fewer treatments as their condition stabilizes.
Are there any side effects from Botox for blepharospasm?
The most common side effects are temporary and mild – things like slight drooping of the eyelid, dry eyes, or double vision that lasts a few days to a couple of weeks. Serious side effects are very rare when the injections are done by experienced doctors. Most patients feel the benefits far outweigh any temporary side effects.
Can stress really make blepharospasm worse?
Absolutely. Many patients notice their symptoms get worse when they’re under stress, not sleeping well, or dealing with bright lights or wind. While stress doesn’t cause blepharospasm, it definitely can trigger episodes or make existing symptoms worse. Learning to manage stress often helps reduce the frequency and severity of spasms.
Will my blepharospasm ever go away completely?
Blepharospasm is usually a chronic condition, meaning it tends to stick around long-term. However, with proper treatment, most people can get excellent control of their symptoms and live completely normal lives. Some patients do see their condition stabilize or even improve over time, especially with consistent treatment. The key is finding the right treatment approach for your specific situation.

Contact Us for a Consultation

Ready to get relief from uncontrollable eyelid spasms and twitching? Contact our offices in Houston, The Woodlands, or Pensacola, FL, today to schedule a personalized consultation with our expert surgeons. Let us help you regain control of your eyelids and get back to your daily activities with the specialized care and experience you need.