Xanthelasma
Excessive blinking or uncontrollable closure of the eyelids
It's quite common and normal for the eyelid to flicker or twitch occasionally, particularly when you're tired.
It's moreunusual tohave repeated spasms of excessive blinking and involuntary closure of one or both eyes. This isa type of dystonia (a movement disorder that causes muscle spasms and contractions) known as blepharospasm. Each spasm can last for a few seconds toa few minutes.
The exact cause ofblepharospasm is unknown. However, the blinking and closure can be triggered by bright light,stress or tiredness.
Severeblepharospasm can be very disabling and embarrassing. However, an effective treatment is available. It involves having small injections of botulinum toxin (such as Botox) into the faceto relax the muscles controlling the eyelids.
In some cases, your GP may consider referring you to a neurologist (a specialist in conditions affecting the brain and nerves) for further investigation.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Read about some of the main causes of eyelid problems, including cysts, styes, blepharitis, dry eyes, ptosis, ectropion and entropion.
Swollen eyelid or eyelid cyst
It's quite common for the upper or lower eyelid to become swollen because of a meibomian cyst (also called a chalazion). This occurs when the glands in the eyelid become blocked. Thesecysts vary in
Hooded or droopy upper eyelids
As you get older, it's quite common to have excess skin above the upper eyelids that can overhang and block your vision. This is called dermatochalasis. If it affects your vision, surgery may be consi
Lower eyelid that rolls outwards (ectropion)
As you get older, one or both lower eyelids can sometimes droop away from the eye and turn outwards. This is known as an ectropion . The drooping eyelid can disrupt the normal production of tears,
Yellow plaques on the eyelids
Flat yellow patches (plaques) over the upper or lower eyelids are called xanthelasma. Although these plaques are harmless, they indicate you have high cholesterol . See your GP because you may be a
Excessive blinking or uncontrollable closure of the eyelids
It's quite common and normal for the eyelid to flicker or twitch occasionally, particularly when you're tired. It's moreunusual tohave repeated spasms of excessive blinking and involuntary closure of
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