Blepharospasm surgery is performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s preferences and the complexity of the case. During the procedure, a small incision is made in the skin of the eyelid to access the orbicularis muscles.
Surgical Techniques:
- Myotomy: The ophthalmologist identifies the affected muscles and makes precise incisions to section part of them. The amount of muscle cut depends on the severity of the spasms.
- Myectomy: The ophthalmologist completely removes the affected orbicularis muscles. This may involve cutting and excising various portions of the muscle.
After surgery, patients may experience discomfort and swelling in the operated area. The ophthalmologist will prescribe pain medication and antibiotics to prevent infections. Most patients can return home on the same day or the day after the surgery.
Recovery Time: Complete recovery can vary from 2 to 4 weeks. During this time, it is important to follow the surgeon’s instructions, which may include:
- Resting
- Applying cold compresses to reduce swelling
- Using eye drops to keep the eye lubricated
- Avoiding activities that may strain the eyes
- Attending follow-up visits to monitor healing and recovery
Blepharospasm surgery can be an effective option for reducing or eliminating involuntary eyelid spasms, thereby improving patients’ quality of life. In most cases, the results are permanent. However, it is important to remember that the surgery does not cure blepharospasm itself, and there is a small possibility that spasms may reoccur in the future.
