Which statement is NOT true regarding BEB?

Which statement is NOT true regarding BEB?

• A. Botox can be used as treatment
• B. More than 50% will have ocular surface disease
• C. It usually involves unilateral twitching of the eyelids with forced closure
• D. It most commonly affects women between ages 50-70

Answer: (C)

Blepharospasm is a bilateral focal dystonia of the eyelids, where involuntary spasms affect both eyes and can lead to episodic or sustained eyelid closure. It most often emerges in middle to older adults and is more common in women, typically around the 50s to 70s. Botulinum toxin injections into the eyelid muscles are the standard, effective treatment, reducing abnormal contractions for several months and often improving visual function and comfort. Ocular surface symptoms, like dryness and irritation, are common in BEB due to altered blinking and lid closure, so many patients have some degree of ocular surface disease. The statement that BEB usually involves unilateral twitching with forced closure is not true, because BEB is typically bilateral rather than unilateral, though spasms can involve forced eyelid closure during episodes.