In the fall of 1995, I began to experience sensitivity to light. It was so uncomfortable that I wore dark glasses all the time. In the summer of 1996, uncontrollable blinking began. An ophthalmologist diagnosed "meibomitis", an infection and inflammation of the meibomian glands in the eyelids that produce oil which keeps the tear film from evaporating too quickly. He had me squeeze out the glands twice a day.

I didn't improve. The next specialist in 1997 diagnosed "blepharitis" and prescribed a hot compress on my eyes then an eyelid scrub using baby shampoo. She mentioned "blepharospasm" but I didn't realize that she was referring to a condition. I knew that blepharo was eyelid and spasm was uncontrollable movement and I sure knew I had that! My eyes were very dry at this time and inflamed. I was allergic to the baby shampoo she prescribed and she sent me to another doctor. He told me to use only one drop of shampoo in a cup of water and also prescribed Polysporin antibiotic ointment in my eyes nightly plus an eye drop to reduce the inflammation. He told me to use artificial tears without a preservative as that might be irritating my eyes. I experimented with several drops before finding Tears Naturale Free by Alcon which has reclosable vials that can be used for 12 hours. These are much less expensive than the single dose vials!

The discomfort got better with this regimen but the blinking continued. I couldn't walk outside by myself or in a store without walking into things or bumping into people. I could only read a paragraph or two before the print blurred so badly I couldn't continue. This was probably the most discouraging time of my life At my fourth to the specialist visit, he asked me what bothered me the most. I told him "the blinking". He said, "You know I told you about the benign essential blepharospasm. If it gets too bad, there's a doctor here that gives Botox injections and I can refer you to him." I told him I'd consider it. I guess he thought he had mentioned it but he hadn't. That's the first time I had heard those words!

When I got home, I immediately got on the Internet to find out what I could about BEB. That's how I found the BEBRF website and the bulletin board. I finally knew what I had! And I knew there were others out there just as discouraged as I was with this thing!! What a relief! Thank You, God, for all the caring people connected with the foundation! My condition had a name and I could start learning how others coped and what I could do to help myself.

I decided I did not want to use the Botox because I didn't understand how it worked. Neither did I want to try surgery as you can't grow muscle back once it's gone. I thought maybe a really strict regimen of cleansing my eyelids might help. I ordered Ocusoft. About this time, I started washing my hair and changing my pillowcase every night.

In the fall of 2000, an article in Prevention Magazine mentioned Oregon grape root for eye infection, inflammation and eyelid tic. Recommended dose: 1/2 dropper of extract, three times daily. About that time I read that Enada which is a naturally occuring compound in the body raises dopamine. I take 10 mg daily. Protein by itself without carbs is supposed to raise the level of dopamine. I try to eat a little protein by itself before eating my meals.

I take 3 tablets (133mg each) of magnesium morning and evening for a total of 6 daily which relaxes the muscles. I take 1 softgel borage oil (500mg) morning and evening which is supposed to keep the tear film from evaporating so quickly. Lutein is supposed to help with photosensitivity. I take 1 softgel (6 mg) morning and evening. I started these about a year ago.

I try to eat a healthy diet with as few processed foods as possibleand lots of fruits and vegetables. I drink 8 glasses of water a day between meals. I don't drink liquids with my meals as they dilute digestive juices.

I also take a really good multi-vitamin/mineral that includes 50 mg. each of the B- complex vitamins, 400 IU Vitamin E, 2000 mg. of Vitamin C. I take 50 mg. of zinc daily plus 3 mg. copper. I also do two 5-minute sessions of deep belly breathing daily and I try to get plenty of rest.

There has been steady, gradual improvement. A year ago I read a book for the first time in five years! Over the winter my blinking grew less and less and this past summer I began driving again!

I had to go off all my supplements for 10 days for a medical problem last fall. The blinking and discomfort got worse so I think now that the herbal preparations and supplements are what has made the most difference. Bit I think all of it helps. Like the straw that broke the camel's back, together many little things can make a big difference.