“My confidence is coming back, and I am putting all my energy into making up for my lost years.”
Carroll Ashton of Lancashire wrote:
After 15 years of Botox injections for blepharospasm, the benefits had lessened to the point where I felt back at square one, with only the coping strategies I had developed over the years to keep me from becoming a recluse.
I was recommended by my optician to contact Ophthalmic Surgeon Mr. Brian Leatherbarrow at Royal Manchester Eye Hospital to discuss my future treatment, and suddenly I had a light at the end of the tunnel.
After a lengthy discussion, it was agreed that I would undergo an operation to remove most of the eyelid muscle causing the spasms (orbicularis myectomy), together with skin tightening, as a day case, under local anaesthetic. There were no promises of a successful outcome, but at 62 years of age, I was not ready to give up my golf and voluntary work, and I didn’t want my grandchildren to remember me only with sticky tape holding my eyes open.
My right eye was operated on in May and the left in October 2007 – what a transformation (after the bruising had settled). My eyes are now wide open without spasm, and the facial contortions are gone. I can see birds flying, and have discovered the high shelves in Tesco, where previously I could only look down.
In a few months I will be assessed to see if I need occasional small Botox injections to support my new vision (my lower lids were not operated on), but hopefully this will not be necessary. After 15 years, I no longer hide from a camera or dread unfamiliar experiences; my confidence is coming back, and I am putting all my energy into making up for my lost years.
If anyone wants to discuss the operation, I am happy to be contacted by email
