Frontalis Suspension Surgery for Patients with Essential Blepharospasm Unresponsive to Botulinum Toxin Injections

Abstract

Purpose: To report the efficacy of frontalis suspension using a silicone rod or preserved fascia lata for patients with blepharospasm who exhibit persistent symptoms and visual dysfunction unresponsive to botulinum injections.Methods: The clinical records of five patients (10 eyes) with essential blepharospasm who underwent frontalis suspension were reviewed. Patients who continued to report eyelid-opening difficulties despite prior administration of botulinum toxin were included.Results: The mean patient age was 60.2 years; and 40% of the patients were women. The frontalis was suspended using silicone rods (n = 3) or preserved fascia lata (n = 2). Blepharospasm frequency and severity were measured using the Jankovic Rating Scale (JRS). Compared with preoperative scores, the summed JRS scores decreased 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery. Postoperatively, two patients (40%) did not require further botulinum toxin injections. In three patients, the intervals between injections were increased after surgery. No patient experienced any significant complication.Conclusions: Frontalis suspension is safe and effective for patients with blepharospasm and apraxia of eyelid opening, who have not responded to botulinum toxin injections.