Abstract:
Objective: To study the efficacy, desirable and undesirable effects of locally injectable preparation of
botulinum toxin in patients suffering from Benign Essential Blepharospasm (BEB).
Methods: It was a prospective study carried out from October 2006 till November 2012 at a private set
up, “Dr Shakaib’s Eye Clinic”, in Islamabad. Follow up of Seventeen patients of BEB has been done over
six years period after injecting botulinum toxin. The patients had been explained about the study and
informed consent was taken. After taking all the standard precautions for botulinum toxin injection, 5 to
7 (mean 6) sites for injecting 1.5 to 2.0 IU of the toxin were selected depending upon the severity and
duration of the problem. These patients were requested to attend the clinic regularly, initially after three
days and then weekly for two weeks, followed by every month for three months and then at three monthly
intervals for up to six years.
Results: The useful effects of the injection appeared in all the patients within 48 hours. There were minor
side effects like irritation in the eyes and heaviness in the brow region. One (5.88 %) patient developed
mild ptosis, which subsided over two weeks. Four (23.52 %) patients felt almost cured after three to
four repetitions of injections. The useful effect of the injection lasted for about three months in all the
patients.
Conclusion: Botulinum toxin is a useful remedy for Benign Essential Blepharospasm (BEB), although the
effects are short term and repeated applications are required which is quite costly for the patient.
