Botox, also known as botulinum toxin, is a popular drug used cosmetically to eliminate prominent facial lines or wrinkles. Before botox gained notoriety for its cosmetic applications, it was used to treat a number of health conditions including those affecting the eyelids. The treatment is proven to alleviate debilitating symptoms for sufferers of eyelid conditions and continues to be an effective alternative to eye surgery.
Identification
Botox is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum --- the same bacterium that causes a serious form of botulism that leads to food poisoning, according to the MayoClinic.com. The toxin acts as a muscle relaxant that is beneficial in reducing symptoms associated with spasms of the eyelid known as blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm, involuntary muscle spasms on one side of the face that normally begin with the eyelid, according to DermNetNZ and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke say.
Function
When injected into the eyelid, Botox blocks nerve impulses to the muscles that cause them to contract, Drugs.com notes. As a result, the eyelid muscles weaken or become paralyzed, eliminating eyelid spasms. Improvement is generally seen within two weeks and its effects last up to four months, according to MedlinePlus.
History
Botox was first introduced in the 1980s to treat blepharospasm; strabismus, a condition in which eyes are misaligned; cervical dystonia, a neurological condition that causes involuntary neck muscle contractions; and spasm from other muscular diseases, DermNet NZ reports. After discovering that facial wrinkles subsided during treatment of these groups, scientists expanded its use to treat facial lines and wrinkles. According to 2010 information from MayoClinic.com, the neurotoxin is now used to treat hyperhydrosis, or excessive underarm sweating, as well as muscle stiffness in the wrists, fingers and elbows from upper limb spasticity.
Effectiveness
The use of Botox to treat blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm is highly effective. According to a study by K Hahn and colleagues in a July 2009 issue of Hungarian journal "Orvosi Hetilap," botox was found to be 93 percent effective in treating patients with blepharospasm and 96 percent effective in treating patients with hemifacial spasm. Similarly, in an April 2010 issue of "Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology," Paul S. Cannon and colleagues found 90 percent of patients with hemifacial spasms and blepharospasm were satisfied with their Botox treatment and only three were referred for surgery when Botox failed. The effects lasted longer in patients with hemifacial spasm and required a smaller dose.
Complications
Side effects from botox treatment for blepharospasm or hemifacial spasm has been linked to ptosis, or drooping eyelids, according to a study by Junping Li and colleagues in a 2008 issue of "Drug Safety." The authors also reported reduced blinking that may lead to a corneal ulcer, an open sore on the cornea, as reported consequences of treatment. According to Drugs.com, a study of blepharospasm patients found 21 percent of patients treated with an average dose of 33 units of Botox per eye, experienced ptosis. Additional reported side effects include irritation; skin rash; swelling of the eyelid; ectropion, an outward turning of the eyelid; entropion, an inward turning of the eyelid, and tearing, Drugs.com adds. Additionally, Botox treatment in other areas of the face, such as crow's feet at the corner of the eyes, in rare cases, may cause weakening of the adjacent muscles and lead to a droopy eyelid, the American Academy of Dermatology notes.
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