Dystonia is known as a syndrome of muscle contractions which is sustained. This frequently causes twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal postures. The muscle contractions may not be sustained and quite rapid. Thus, the eye movements may not lead to certain fixed postures and not repetitive. Hence, it is very difficult to define dystonia exactly. It can be defined as inability to produce a specific muscle activity. Eye dystonia is known as Blepharospasm which is characterized by involuntary eye closure and increased blinking. This may be a primary or secondary form. Read on to know more about the causes and symptoms of eye dystonia.
People suffering from blepharospasm have a normal vision. In most of the cases, the loss in the vision occurs primarily due to forced closure of the patient’s eyelids. This condition is also known as a cranial dystonia.
Causes of Eye Dystonia
Eye dystonia may suddenly develop with no known factor. Also, this may be inherited. A few people who suffer from blepharospasm have family members who are suffering from dystonia affecting other parts in the body. Also, eye dystonia may be secondary due to exposure to drugs. It may occur with other disorders like Wilson’s disease and Parkinsonian syndromes.
Symptoms of Eye Dystonia
Eye dystonia affects the muscles of the eye. This starts with eye irritation or excessive blinking which gradually occurs. In the early stages of this eye condition, the symptoms may only occur due to stress factors like emotional tension, fatigue and bright lights. Mostly the eye condition affects both the eyes.
With gradual progression, the symptoms may frequently occur but this spasms disappear while sleeping. Many people find that after sleeping properly, these spasms do not occur again for some hours after waking. But in few cases, these spasms may increase. Therefore, the eyelids may remain closed forcefully for a few hours.
