Essential blepharospasm: what it is and what it can be a symptom of

By Cristiano Antonino On Sep 12, 2022

Essential blepharospasm is an involuntary contraction that causes intermittent and often complete closure of the eyelids

What is essential blepharospasm?

Essential blepharospasm is a condition that affects both eyes (bilateral, i.e. asymmetrically) and occurs mainly in old age.

The involuntary closing of the eyelids can be continuous or intermittent.

The frequency of the blinking increases considerably over the years until it leads to a real limitation of vision due to the uncontrollability of the spasm.

What are the causes of essential blepharospasm?

It is not yet clear what causes blepharospasm, but it is believed to be related to a malfunction of certain nerve structures located at the base of the brain, the basal ganglia, which play an important role in controlling movement.

Certain drugs (neuroleptics, antihistamines, dopaminergics, anticonvulsants, pilocarpine, carbacol, some anaesthetics) can also cause blepharospasm.

What are the symptoms of essential blepharospasm?

Initially, essential blepharospasm manifests itself with sensitivity to light, dryness of the eye and increased frequency of blinking. Stress can worsen the symptoms.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of blepharospasm is made on the basis of a medical examination after examining all possible secondary causes of eye diseases (blepharitis, trichiasis, corneal diseases, glaucoma, uveitis, dry eye).

If neurological causes are suspected, neurological imaging is used to rule out pathologies of the ponto cerebellar region.