Ayurvedic Treatment for Blepharospasm

Blepharospasm is a neurological condition characterized by involuntary, forceful contractions of the eyelid muscles.

Causes 

The exact cause is idiopathic, but genetic predisposition triggered by an environmental factor is also considered a cause for Blepharospasm.

- Neurological Factors: Cranial nerve (Seventh – facial nerve) inability in coordinating movements

- Genetic Factors: Familial incidence of cranial dystonia in first-degree relatives is seen.

- Environmental Factors: Chronic eye strain, prolonged screen time, can also cause Blepharospasm.

- Dry Eye: Irritation to the eye, Photosensitivity can also be a cause for involuntary rapid eye closure.  

Signs and symptoms:

Early-stage symptoms include increased blinking and light sensitivity. The intense blinking eventually leads to disruption in daily tasks.

Later stages of involuntary closure of eyelids cause functional blindness. The everyday actions like Reading walking, and driving are difficult due to the progression in condition. 

In Ayurveda, the condition that can be correlated with is Nimesha. It is one among the Varthmagata Roga (diseases affecting eyelids).  Its main feature is excessive blinking with repeated painless movements.

Sreedhareeyam treats Blepharospasm as Nimesha in Comprehensive line of management. It includes, Snehana (Oleation), Swedana (fomentation), Panchakarma’s like Virechana (Therapeutic purgation), Nasya (nasal installation of drops), Matravasthy (medicated oil enema) and Netra Kriyakalpa along with Adjuvant therapies. 

- Snehana (Oleation): Internal Snehana like intake of ghee medication and even external application of oils like Mukhabhyanga (face massage), Drushtiprasadana (Special eye massage), Siroabhyanga (Head massage), and Shirodhara (Controlled pouring of medicated decoction/oil to Forehead) etc. help in absorption of medicine to nourish the extra ocular muscle, relieving fatigue and strengthen the muscles.

- Swedana (fomentation): As the post procedure followed by oleation, fomentation with hot potent medication like Ksheeradhuma (Fomentation with processed milk), Shashtikashalipindasweda (massage with rice bolus) which helps to enhance circulation, muscle relaxation and nerve nourishment.

- Virechana:  Therapeutic purgation cleanses the gut-brain axis and removes the systemic causes. 

- Nasya: It helps to pacify Vata and neuro modulation and help in reduction of spasm

- Vasthy: Considering as the Vata predominant disease Matravasthy (medicated oil enema) have great effect in neuro-muscular disorders.

- Netrakriyakalpas: Aschyotana (eye drops), Bidalaka (application of medicated pastes), Netraseka (therapeautic eye wash), Netrapichu (cotton dipped in oil) and Tarpana (retention of medicated ghee over eye) are very effective local ocular therapies helping in facilitating medication directly to ocular tissues. It also helps in relieving dry eye symptoms, reduce ocular inflammations, and reduce the twitching frequency of eyelids by nourishing and relaxing ocular muscles. Oleation help in reducing lid stiffness.

- Eye exercises help in the range of movements of the eye muscles, gentle eye movement exercise strengthen ocular muscle and reduce the eye strain.

- Yoga procedures like Pranayama (breathing exercise), Palming and Internal Tradaka (gazing) also help to address physical and neurological aspects of the condition.

Treatments and exercises must be approached carefully under proper medical guidance’s, because prolonged staring of eye can potentially trigger the condition leading to complication.


Faq(Frequently Asked Question)

1. Is Blepharospasm hereditary? 

Not every Blepharospasm is hereditary, but Blepharospasm has a hereditary component in some instances, though many cases develop without a clear family history. When blepharospasm is inherited, it often falls under the category of primary or essential blepharospasm, which is not caused by another underlying condition. 

2. What are the early signs of Blepharospasm?  

Blepharospasm is characterized by involuntary eyelid muscle contractions. One of the earliest signs is an increased blinking rate, especially when under stress, fatigued, or exposed to bright lights or wind. This increased blinking can progress to more forceful spasms, when the eyelids are squeezed it shuts involuntarily. These spasms are typically intermittent at first and may only affect one eye, though they commonly become bilateral, affecting both eyes over a period of time. Another common early symptom is eye irritation, which can manifest as dryness, light sensitivity (photophobia), or a feeling of something in the eye. These irritations can sometimes trigger or worsen the blinking and spasms. 

3. Can Blepharospasm cause functional blindness? 

Yes, blepharospasm may lead to functional blindness. The condition itself will not damage the eyes or affect the anatomical structures responsible for vision. The severe, involuntary squeezing of the eyelids can prevent a person from seeing, leading to practical blindness even if the underlying visual acuity is normal.  

4. Why is excessive blinking considered a feature of Nimesha? 

Nimesha is a disease characterized by the involuntary and excessive blinking of the eyelids. This condition is primarily categorized under disorders of the eye caused by Vata imbalance. The Chala guna (mobile quality) of Vata increases, leading to rapid blinking of eyelids. 

5. What happens in the later stages of Blepharospasm? 

As blepharospasm progresses, the involuntary eyelid contractions become more frequent and prolonged. In the later stages, individuals may experience severe spasms, leading to longer closure of eyelids. This can result in significant functional blindness. The condition may also extend beyond the eyelids, affecting other facial muscles, and sometimes even the jaw, tongue, or neck, a related condition. 

The advanced stages of blepharospasm can have a profound impact on daily life. Activities that require sustained vision, such as driving, reading, watching television, or even walking independently, can become extremely challenging or impossible. This can lead to a significant reduction in quality of life .