Treatment of Blepharospasm.

Abstract

To the Editor: —In the last number ofThe Journal(December 27, 1890), under the heading of Treatment of Blepharospasm, Giraud, ( These de Paris ) is quoted as treating this annoying and at times intractable affection by forcible dilatation, using a pair of retractors or a spring speculum—the separation of the lids being carried to a degree of exposing the conjunctival culde-sac—and keeping the eyelids in this position for three or four minutes. For several years I have been using a similar method in my clinic at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary—with the difference that I do not forcibly put the orbicularis palpebrarum on the stretch. The good results, not from stretching, but from the exposure of the sensitive cornea to daylight—the natural stimulus of the eye. In all cases of conjunctival or corneal trouble this procedure cures the blepharospasm if it exists. The speculum is put between the