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  • eye-dystonia
  1. About dystonia
  2. Types of dystonia
  3. Eye dystonia

Eye dystonia

Other names: Blepharospasm

Type: Focal

Blepharospasm is a neurological movement disorder characterised by continuous or intermittent muscle contractions which cause abnormal, often painful, repetitive movements in the eye/s. It usually starts gradually affecting just one eye, but often eventually progresses to affecting both. The frequency and severity of the muscle spasms generally increases over a period of one to two years.

Sometimes blepharospasm is experienced together with mouth, jaw or tongue dystonia (oromandibular). The medical term for this is Meige syndrome.

Blepharospasm is usually diagnosed and treated by an ophthalmologist or a neurologist specialising in movement disorders.

What are the symptoms?

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Symptoms of blepharospasm include:

  • excessive and uncontrollable blinking
  • muscle spasms around the eyes causing them to close
  • inability to re-open the eyes
  • dry eyes
  • eyes sensitive to light
  • tremor

Stress and anxiety are known to exacerbate the symptoms.

Published: 2nd June, 2020

Updated: 24th June, 2020

Author: Bernie McMahon

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Who does it affect?

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  • Symptoms usually appear between the ages of 50 and 70.
  • It affects around 7,000 adults in the UK.

Published: 3rd June, 2020

Updated: 24th June, 2020

Author: Bernie McMahon

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What are the causes?

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Dystonia is caused by incorrect signals from the brain to the affected body part.

Published: 4th June, 2020

Updated: 24th June, 2020

Author: Bernie McMahon

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What are the common treatments?

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  • Botulinum toxin injections
  • Oral medication
  • Physiotherapy
  • Self-help techniques
  • Ptosis props (eye crutches)

Published: 5th June, 2020

Updated: 24th June, 2020

Author: Bernie McMahon

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How will it affect my life?

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You may need to find ways to adapt and might have to learn new ways to complete everyday tasks. However, it is possible to live well with the condition and Dystonia UK is here to support you through all stages including initial onset, diagnosis, finding treatment and beyond.

You may find these coping techniques helpful:

  • Press your fingers against the temples, end of nose or other parts of your face – you need to find the spot that suits you
  • Use distraction techniques: taking a very deep breath, chewing gum, whistling, humming, sucking on a straw, singing, reading aloud, or pinching yourself
  • Use relaxation techniques in a dark place
  • Put your head back, close your eyes or look down rather than trying to look ahead
  • Block out bright light by wearing a hat or visor. Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors and tinted lenses indoors.

Published: 6th June, 2020

Updated: 24th June, 2020

Author: Bernie McMahon

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You might also be interested in

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Published: 7th June, 2020

Updated: 25th June, 2020

Author: Bernie McMahon

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Dystonia UK is the operating name of The Dystonia Society. The Dystonia Society is registered as a charity in England and Wales (1062595) and in Scotland (SC042127)


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