Quality of life in patients with blepharospasm

Objectives - Administration of botulinum neurotoxin A (BONT/A) is a common and effective treatment of blepharospasm. There is, however, no information regarding the emotional and social well-being of patients with blepharospa sm and patient acceptance of BONT/A therapy. The purpose of this study was to investigate aspects of quality of life of patients with blepharospasm an d level of patient satisfaction with treatment. Material and methods - Fift y-one patients with blepharospasm who had been treated with BONT/A for year s completed a questionnaire providing information about quality of life. Re sults Results revealed reductions in social and emotional well-being of pat ients but, nonetheless, good acceptance of BONT/A therapy. The positive eff ects of BONT/A therapy were, however, accompanied by fear of a decreasing e ffect of BONT/A injections. Conclusion - Although the objective findings fo llowing BONT/A injections in the treatment of blepharospasm are appreciated by the patients, their well-being is affected by fears and depression.