Light sensitivity is a common occurrence with blepharospasm patients. As the condition progresses, the eyelid spasms increase in frequency and severity until they are unremitting, leaving both eyelids clamped shut and the eyebrows pulled down. In some cases, only one eye is affected. The cause of blepharospasm is unknown. Symptoms occur most frequently in persons in their 50s and 60s.
Women are three times more likely to have the condition than men.
There are three accepted treatments for blepharospasm. In mild cases, doctors may prescribe medications or recommend biofeedback training. The medical approach to treatment has been limited primarily to drug therapy. Moderate success has been reported in controlling blepharospasm through the use of diazepam, levodopa, methyldopa, lithium, clonopine, lioresal, and tetrabenzine. Unfortunately, these treatments are not always successful.