Benign essential blepharospasm (BEB) is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions and spasms of the eyelid muscles. It is a form of dystonia, a movement disorder in which muscle contractions cause sustained eyelid closure, twitching or repetitive movements. BEB begins gradually with increased frequency of eye blinking often associated with eye irritation. Other symptoms may include involuntary winking or squinting of one or both eyes, increasing difficulty in keeping the eyes open, and light sensitivity. Generally, the spasms occur during the day, disappear in sleep, and reappear after waking. As the condition progresses, the spasms may intensify, forcing the eyelids to remain closed for long periods of time, and thereby causing substantial visual disturbance or functional blindness. It is important to note that the blindness is caused solely by the uncontrollable closing of the eyelids and not by a dysfunction of the eyes. BEB occurs in both men and women, although it is especially common in middle-aged and elderly women.
Benign Essential Blepharospasm Research Foundation 637 North 7th Street Suite 102 P.O. Box 12468 Beaumont, TX 77726-2468 bebrf@blepharospasm.org http://www.blepharospasm.org Tel: 409-832-0788 Fax: 409-832-0890 |
Dystonia Medical Research Foundation 1 East Wacker Drive Suite 2810 Chicago, IL 60601-1905 dystonia@dystonia-foundation.org http://www.dystonia-foundation.org Tel: 312-755-0198 Fax: 312-803-0138 |
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Last updated October 03, 2007