 |
Botox is Botulinum toxin A from the world’s most respected company, Allergan Inc. (USA) |
|
Botox is a chemical that can be used to weaken an over acting muscle. |
|
This weakening is transient and fully revesible. |
|
Dr Mihir has done a fellowship in Neuro-ophthalmology with the inventor of Botox, Dr Alan Scott at San Francisco, USA. |
|
Following this, Botox is made available to treat Squint, Hemi facial spasm and Essential Blepherospasm. (Non cosmetic use only) |
|
The Botox clinic is conducted once a month so that treatment can be given at a subsidised cost. |
|
The patients are expected to register for the Botox clinic well in advance. |
| |
This injection is best given under an electromyogram (EMG) control. |
| |
It is given in the eye muscle. Not in the EYE! |
| |
The injection takes only 2 minutes to give and it is painless. |
| |
An EMG can identify the muscle. It also informs the doctor about the ideal location within the eye muscle where the injection will be safe and more effective. |
| |
The effect starts in 6 hrs to 48 hrs. Maximum effect stays for 2-4 weeks. The injection effect slowly disappears in 6 weeks to 12 weeks. |
| |
Any side effect due to injection is usually fully reversible. |
| |
In young children, injection can be given under general anesthesia. |
| |
Main purpose of giving injection is to try to avoid a surgery yet effectively treat over action of the facila / extraocular muscles (squint). |
| |
We frequently use Botox to treat double vision in adults. |
| |
|
| Safety and Side-effects |
|
Initially there is an over correction. |
|
Some patients may need more than 1 injections. |
|
Squint surgery if necessary (IN 50%), can be performed later with full safety and efficacy after the injection. |
|
Botox is costly. To reduce the cost it may be used in batch / salami (repeatedly from same vial over 4 -6 weeks). |
|
When not used fresh, chances of reduced effectiveness &/or infection is present. |
|
In young children, injection can be given under general anesthesia. |
|
Main purpose of giving injection is to try to avoid a surgery/treat double vision in adults. |
| |
|
| Safety and Side-effects |
|
Under EMG control; side effects are rare |
<1% |
|
Commonest, reversible (7-10 days) side effect: drooping of lids |
20% |
|
Infection and globe perforation |
<0.001% |
