Ophthalmologic Botox Treatments

Dr Bursztyn provides botulinum toxin (Botox) treatment for blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm, migraine headache and several other problems of facial movement.

Botox injections take only a few minutes to do and are very well tolerated. You will likely have to pick up your Botox from the St. Joseph’s Prescription Shop at the beginning of your appointment and then wait a few minutes so that Dr. Bursztyn can mix it up for injection. Most people can drive themselves to and from the appointment.

Botulinum toxin weakens muscles where it is injected. In the right dose and location, it can be used to stop unwanted movements. Botox was first developed to treat blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm, and was only later found to improve wrinkles. Botox has also been shown to be helpful for migraine headache that doesn’t respond to medications. In all cases, treatment usually wears off gradually after about 3 months.

Blepharospasm

Blepharospasm is involuntary frequent blinking, usually of both eyes. It can be so severe that people cannot keep the eyes open long enough to read or drive. The most useful treatment for blepharospasm is injection of botulinum toxin around the eyes. The pattern may be different for different patients, but for most people, injections are given in the locations shown below.

Hemifacial Spasm

Hemifacial spasm is involuntary frequent blinking of one eye with twitching of the face on the same side. It can be very frustrating and socially awkward. The most useful treatment for hemifacial spasm is injection of botulinum toxin around the eye which is twitching. Some people will also need injections into the cheek and around the mouth.

Side Effects

Even though patients are often afraid of needles near the eyes, most people tolerate the injections very well. A tiny needle is used to minimize pain. Some people get bruises where the injection went in. Sometimes the botulinum toxin can spread where it wasn’t supposed to go, causing a droopy eyelid, dry eye or double vision. Botulinum toxin always wears off, so even if you do get a side effect, it will always go away on its own.