Lid Wiper Epitheliopathy in Benign Essential Blepharospasm and Hemifacial Spasm: Cross-Sectional Study

OpenAlex İngilizce

Objective: To evaluate lid wiper epitheliopathy (LWE) in benign essential blepharospasm (BEB) and hemifacial spasm (HFS), and to analyze the relationship between dry eye and involuntary contractions of the m.orbicularis oculi by comparing unaffected and affected eyes of HFS patients. Materials and Methods: BEB or HFS patients who underwent botulinum toxin injections were included in this comparative two-eye study. Based on the Jankovic rating scale, the frequency and severity of the contractions were recorded. Corneal staining and LWE at the upper eyelids had been detected utilizing the Oxford and Korb grading schemes, respectively. Patients were compared in terms of contractions, corneal staining score, and LWE. The two eyes of patients were also compared within each other. Results: Eighty-two eyes were analyzed (43 with BEB, 39 with HFS). There was no significant difference in terms of contractions, corneal staining, and LWE between BEB and HFS (p>0.05). Corneal staining and LWE in both eyes of BEB patients were similar (p>0.05). However, corneal staining and LWE were significantly lower in unaffected eyes than affected eyes in patients with HFS (p=0.001). Conclusion: The fact that corneal staining and LWE are higher in both eyes of BEB patients and in the affected eye of HFS patients may be evidence that the pressure of the eyelid on the ocular surface and the frequency and amplitude of blinking have a role in the etiopathogenesis of LWE. In the follow-up of both, LWE is one of the examination findings that should be investigated together with dry eye tests.