Botulinum Toxin is a solution developed from bacteria and is used as a method of temporarily paralyzing muscles by blocking nerve activity. This substance is most commonly recognized as Botox and is widely recognized as a method of cosmetic enhancement. When injected into certain areas of the face it can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Before its cosmetic uses, Botox was first used as a means of treating a variety of different medical conditions, including those that involve problems with the eye muscles. Thousands of doctors around the world are using Botox as a means of treating many different eye conditions.
Blepharospasm
Blepharospasm is a condition in which the eyelid will twitch and blink uncontrollably. While it is especially predominant in bright lights or under stressful conditions, blepharospasm can cause both embarrassment and irritation to those suffering from it, regardless of where they are.
Blepharospasm falls under the wide variety of different muscle disorder conditions, otherwise known as dystonia. All disorders in this family render prolonged or frequent contractions of the muscles that are generally noticeable.
Strabismus
Another eye muscle problem is Strabismus. This causes the two eyes to look in different directions. This can make the eyes look cross-eyed and can also force vision to become blurred. After time, this condition may cause loss of vision, double vision or even problems with depth perception.
How Can Botox Help?
Botox can help reduce the problems with eye muscles in a variety of different ways. Both of the eyes contain six muscles. Two of the muscles in both of the left and right eye are responsible for moving the eyes back and forth. The gaze is kept straight because the muscles are working opposite from each other, almost like a pulley. In an eye that is functioning normally, the eye muscles will both have an equal amount of strength and will essentially work against each other to keep the eye straight.
If an eye muscle weakens, the other muscle will dominate and pull the eye in the other direction. This will result in two eyes looking in different directions. Sometimes, people are simply born this way. Other times a stroke can cause this same result.
Beyond the fact that it can cause visual discomfort, many people feel as though the crossed eyes reduce the quality of their overall appearance. Botox injections can help rectify these issues.
A Botox physician will treat a patient suffering from these conditions by injecting the solution into the stronger eye muscle. This will cause the muscle to relax and the weaker eye muscle will be able to rectify itself.
While not a permanent solution, Botox can offer a non-invasive way to treat eye muscle problems that cause irritation and discomfort as well as a self-consciousness regarding the appearance.