Botox was originally developed by an ophthalmologist in the 1970s and has many uses, but first of all, how does it work?
Botox (botulinum toxin) is an injection that blocks the nerves that send signals to the muscles, causing them to relax. It will start to work 1 to 3 days after administration, but can last 3 to 4 months. The peak effectiveness is around 7 to 14 days after injection.
So what can Botox treat?
It was originally used to treat strabismus, or eye misalignment. This can be a lower-cost and non-surgical alternative.
It is commonly used to stop eyelid twitches, blepharospasm, or hemifacial spasm. This helps in those patients who are unable to open their eyes or whose eyes will blink uncontrollably.
In some cases, a person’s cornea can be damaged, and the eyelids will need to be stitched together to promote healing. Botox can be used instead to relax the eye muscles, and they will close within a few days and open on their own in a few months. This can be used in patients with Bell’s Palsy for the same reason.
Is Botox safe?
Experts agree it is relatively safe. Most side effects are rare and temporary, including a droopy lid.
Botox is not for everyone. It is not for patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have Myasthenia Gravis, or are taking aminoglycoside antibiotics (examples are gentamicin or tobramycin).
Does it hurt?
The Botox needle is very small, so the pain is minimal. There can be some redness or bruising around the injection site, but it will disappear in a few days
What about cosmetic Botox?
It can also be used to reduce or eliminate fine lines and wrinkles around your face and eyes.
If you’re to get Botox to smooth out the dynamic wrinkles around the eyes and forehead, it to help you look more rested and alert.
Contact the doctors at Relf EyeCare for your medical or cosmetic Botox needs.
Millerwoods Health Care Campus
