A doctor may recommend botulinum toxin (Botox) injections for the treatment of conditions such as blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm. They can cause eye twitching or spasms, and Botox can help reduce this.
Botox injections for eye twitching involve injecting a small amount of Botox into the muscles around the eyes and into the eyelids.
The injections can be pretarsal or preseptal. This means that some injections happen closer to the eyelashes in the lid, while others are in the eyelid and closer to the forehead or cheek.
The treatment takes around 2 to 5 minutes. Beforehand, you may receive a topical anesthetic to numb the area.
Botox injections can take around 3 to 5 days to begin reducing eye twitching. It can take up 2 weeks for the full effect.
The treatment typically reduces eye twitching for around 3 months. It will then start to wear off.
You may then need to receive more Botox injections after this time. Speak with your doctor for more information about how frequently they recommend the injections and for how long you should receive the treatment.
Botox injections are relatively safe. Pain is usually minimal as the injections are small.
Side effects of Botox injections are usually temporary. They can include:
- bruising at the site of the injection
- double vision
- droopy upper lid
- problems with closing the eyelid
- problems with the blink reflex
Let your doctor know about any side effects that occur so that they can monitor them and advise on any treatments where necessary.