Impact of Upper Eyelid Surgery on Symptom Severity and Frequency in Benign Essential Blepharospasm

To assess the impact of periocular surgery, other than orbicularis stripping, on the severity and frequency of blepharospasm symptoms.

Consecutive patients with benign essential blepharospasm (BEB) who underwent eyelid/eyebrow surgery with the aim of improving symptoms were retrospectively reviewed over a 5-year period. Patients who had completed the Jankovic Rating Scale (JRS) and Blepharospasm Disability Index (BDI) pre- and at least 3 months postoperatively were included.

Twenty-four patients were included. JRS scores significantly improved from 7.0 preoperatively to 4.1 postoperatively (p < 0.001), and BDI scores significantly improved from 18.4 preoperatively to 12.7 postoperatively (p < 0.001); the mean percentage improvements were 41% and 30%, respectively. Patients were followed for a median of 24 months postoperatively.

Periocular surgery significantly reduced BEB symptoms in the majority (83%) of patients by an average of 33% and may therefore be offered for suitable patients. An important minority (17%) of patients experienced symptom worsening.