• As the condition progresses, the spasms may intensify, forcing the eyelids to remain closed for long periods of time, and thereby causing substantial visual disturbance or functional blindness
• BEB begins gradually with increased frequency of eye blinking often associated with eye irritation
• BEB occurs in both men and women, although it is especially common in middle-aged and elderly women
• Generally, the spasms occur during the day, disappear in sleep, and reappear after waking
• increasing difficulty in keeping the eyes open, and light sensitivity
• It is a form of dystonia, a movement disorder in which muscle contractions cause sustained eyelid closure, twitching or repetitive movements.
• It is important to note that the blindness is caused solely by the uncontrollable closing of the eyelids and not by a dysfunction of the eyes

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