Orbicularis Oculi Myectomy as a Treatment for Blepharospasm in a Case of Schwartz Jampel Syndrome

PURPOSE: To describe a patient with Schwartz Jampel vel Aberfeld syndrome (SJS) who underwent orbicularis oculi myectomy as a treatment for blepharospasm. CASE REPORT: A 4-year-old child with SJS did not respond to an injection of a single dose of botulinum toxin after one month, so orbicularis myectomy was then performed under general anesthesia. During the procedure, orbicularis vermiform movements were a useful guide for the extent of myectomy that the patient needed. He responded very well to this procedure and experienced significant relief of blepharospasm documented in follow-up visits for up to 6 months. CONCLUSION: Blepharospasm in patients with SJS can be treated with orbicularis oculi myectomy as a good functional method with faster and durable response in comparison to botulinum toxin injection.