Blepharospasm is an involuntary, repeated and bilateral contraction of the eyelid muscles, which can go as far as forced eye closure. It is a dystonia — not to be confused with a simple "eyelid twitch", benign and temporary.
The signs
Increasingly frequent and uncontrollable blinking, light sensitivity, worsening with stress, fatigue or driving. In advanced forms, eyelid closure can considerably impair daily life.
The reference treatment: botulinum toxin
Botulinum toxin injections into the eyelid muscles reduce spasms in the vast majority of patients. The effect appears within a few days and lasts about 6 months: injections are renewed regularly. In this therapeutic indication, they are covered by French health insurance.
Associated measures
Treatment of associated dry eye, tinted lenses in case of photophobia. Atypical or resistant forms are referred for neurological advice.
Frequently asked questions
How is it different from an eyelid twitch?
Myokymia ("eyelid twitch") is a localised flutter on one side, favoured by fatigue and caffeine: it goes away on its own. Blepharospasm affects both eyes and causes forced closure — it warrants a consultation.
Information sheets from the French Society of Ophthalmology
To read before your procedure — information and consent sheet (in French):
📄 Botulinum toxin treatment for blepharospasm (SFO sheet No. 24)PDFBook an appointment
Consultations in Boulogne-Billancourt (Ophtalife) and Saint-Maur-des-Fossés (Beaurepaire).