Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, or so we are told. Unfortunately, the eye of the beholder may have had Botox injections which resulted in very negative results affecting the eyes.

Botulism toxin is a toxic chemical that is produced by a Bacteria. Its purpose is to paralyze the prey thus making it easier to attack, kill and eat it. Before long man in his infinite wisdom came to understand this fact and successfully refined this substance. Early uses included paralyzing ones enemy making it easier to kill him. Poisoning has been a favorite method of treating foes over time and as technology has improved so has Botulism toxin. Medicine has long used herbs and various chemicals to treat disorders and more recently for cosmetic purposes.

The first ocular use for Botulism toxin was to temporarily cure Blepharospasms. These are when the eye lid muscles spasm to the point that the eyes are either constantly blinking or closed due to muscular contractions. The lid injection of the toxin paralyzes the muscles reducing or eliminating the spasms. It lasted approximately 4-6 months at which time another injection was required. In the hands of a highly trained doctor the results are excellent.

The 90’s brought the age of cosmetic surgery and procedures to the forefront. If Botulism toxin stops eye lid spasms why not wrinkles as well. Thus began the ” age of Botox!” The name had to be changed since no normal person would agree to have ” Botulism TOXIN” injected into their face, so BOTOX was born. Essentially it is the same chemical compound that is injected into the facial tissue with the purpose of paralyzing the surrounding area. By relaxing the tissue, wrinkles flatten out and a youthful appearance can be restored. For the most part it is very effective. Unfortunately, where there is money to be made many people perform procedures that they are not well trained in and bad things happen.

When Botox is done by a physician who is familiar with the physiology of the area that is being worked on extra care can be employed to avoid muscle and nerve tissue that may have negative results. For example, if an injection is given too close to the eye itself extra ocular muscles may be affected resulting in eye movement paralysis. This will result in an inability to move the eyes and will cause double vision. In addition, if the injection site is near the eye lids Ptosis or lid droop will result causing one or both eye lids to stay closed all the time. It may also precipitate the lower lid to droop pulling away from the eye. This will permit tears to flow out of the eye and the eyes will be constantly red and very dry. An injection near the Lacrimal Gland will paralyze the tear making gland and extreme dry eyes will result. The good news is that it will wear off in about 6 months. The bad news is that it will wear off in about 6 months. Thus, frequently adjunct medical treatment must be administered to prevent damage to the eye and increase comfort until the affect of the toxin wears off.

Highly trained and experienced Dermatologists and some Ophthalmologists are the best doctors for this procedure. Avoid the doctor who does it as a side line just to make more money. Also ask how many of these procedures the doctor has done and try to find out if there have been any complications resulting from the injection in that office. Always go into this procedure “with both eyes open” and try to keep them that way.