Getting Botox Around Your Eyes: What You Need to Know
By Space Coast Daily // August 3, 2023
Botulinum toxin, also known as Botox, was created as a medical treatment for chronic pains, muscle spasms, and headaches. Although it’s been around for decades, its medical uses are still being explored — such as with the recent discovery of its benefits in addressing botulism, a potentially fatal bacterial infection.
These days, Botox is most commonly recognized for its use in cosmetic treatments.
Because of its versatility, Botox is frequently administered around the eyes. But whether you use it for cosmetic or medical reasons, there are several things you need to learn about these procedures. Here’s what you need to know about getting Botox around the eyes.
Why do people get Botox around the eyes?
Cosmetic purposes
One common reason for getting Botox around the eyes is to achieve a smoother, more youthful look. The area surrounding the eyes is more sensitive, making it more vulnerable to accumulating wrinkles as you age. Botox can help by smoothing out your glabellar lines (which you’ll find between the eyebrows), crow’s feet, or forehead lines. These treatments are particularly attractive to clients, especially since the eyes are usually the first thing people notice about you when communicating.
Medical purposes
Because Botox is used to block nerve signals to relax and relieve muscle pain, they are beneficial for treating conditions related to the eyes. This may include strabismus (crossed eyes), blepharospasm (eyelid twitching), or impeded vision due to sagging skin around the eyes. It can also address issues nearby that are not necessarily related to your eyes, like migraines and facial spasms.
Can there be side effects to Botox?
What are the possible side effects of Botox?
Although 11.8 million Botox procedures have been administered since it was declared safe by the FDA in 2002, Botox discloses on its official website that it may cause your eyes to experience several possible side effects. These include double vision, blurred vision, impaired eyesight, dry eyes, and drooping or swelling eyelids. Such issues may arise if the wrong nerve or specific muscles are impacted during your procedure. Any allergic reactions you have to Botox can also impair your ability to see. However, experienced practitioners will know the correct area, dosage, and protocols for Botox administration to prevent these issues from arising. That said, one proactive step you can take before getting Botox is to ensure you’re seeing a trusted clinician.
What should you do if you suspect botox side effects?
If you feel your vision was affected by your Botox procedure, consult an eye specialist to confirm that’s really the case. You can book an appointment with your regular optometrist, but if you want advice immediately, consider getting an eye exam at a retail store. This can be as simple as getting one at Target after shopping: Target Optical hosts professionals from the Independent Doctors of Optometry.
If you’re looking for more affordable options, try the National Eye Institute’s website to find resources for vision care that can help you cover the cost of eye exams. By immediately getting your eyes tested, you’ll know how to treat your eyes until the Botox wears off in around four months. This can include using daily eye drops for droopy eyelids or wearing eyeglasses to correct side effects like double vision.
Botox can have immense medical and cosmetic benefits. Although application around the eyes requires the utmost care, knowing what to expect and how to best prepare for your treatment can ensure you have the safest experience possible.
