Botox
Injections
Botox
is the trade name for botulinum toxin. In its pure form, botulinum toxin is a
type of food poisoning that causes muscle weakness. It acts as a nerve impulse
blocker, preventing muscles from contracting. In an extremely dilute form,
botulinum toxin has many medical applications.
Botulinum
toxin can be injected directly into muscles of the face or eye when facial
muscles are overactive. Botox causes the overactive muscles to relax. It usually
takes a few days for the therapeutic effect to be noticeable. The injections may
need to be repeated every 4 to 6 months.
Botulinum
toxin is used in ocular conditions such as blepharospasm, an excessive
contraction of the eyelid muscles that forces the eyelids closed, and hemifacial
spasm, an excessive contraction of the facial muscles on just one side of the
face. For certain types of double vision, botulinum toxin can be injected
directly into the eye muscle opposite the paralyzed eye muscle.
Botox
can also be used in the office to treat wrinkles around the eyes (crows feet)
and the forehead to make them less prominent. The effects of Botox usually last
3-6 months and repeat injections can be given.
Side
effects of the injection are temporary. They can include a droopy upper eyelid,
double vision, and inability to close the eyelids.