Blepharospasm Bulletin Board

I've tried magnesium, Stress B Complex supplements, going down on my Topamax (I have migraines), every eye drop I can think of (my eye doctor recommended Refresh even before the twitching started as I apparently have dry eye that I didn't even notice), more humidity, less humidity, massage, eating better, getting more and less sleep, and drinking more and less coffee. I am under a lot of stress, more than usual (end of a serious relationship, illness in the family, and death of two close family members), but even when it abates and I'm having a good stress day, the twitching is still there.

I see a neurologist for the migraines and brought up my concerns, and he doesn't seem concerned...nor do my allergist or ENT. However, it's been going on so long and is really affecting my quality of life. I could deal though, until recently, when I noticed that on ocassion, my saving grace, my right eye, has begun to twitch slightly in the right corner. This is very slight and seems to happen in the evenings, but will also go on for hours. Both eyes have twitched at the same time.

I do have thyroid disease and am hoping to see a new endocrinologist soon as I am not satisfied with my care right now. I am wondering if my levels are too high and this might be part of it, but my levels were all over the place this summer and the twitching happened whether they were high or low. Eye twitching is also not a normal symptom for me of thyroid disease or in general, however as I've gotten older, I do have benign twitching (I think) in my limbs. Again, no one seems concerned and it doesn't really bother me.

I'm not so worried anymore about a tumor or cancer (although the fear is still there a bit), but the fact that this twitching just won't abate and is even progressing somewhat terrifies me...I'm scared this is the best I'll ever be and it will just get worse. That I could have BEB and become blind and not able to afford the Botox treatments needed to be able to see and work as I don't make a lot of money. Or that it could be Parkinson's or something. I know I'm not terribly young, but I feel statistically young for something like BEB, and I'm so so scared.

My mother has eye twitching but not to this extent. She's had it all her life and seems more concerned with how it's affecting me rather than what it could be. As someone who is relatively new to it and finds it devastating personally and socially, it's so difficult for me to deal with.

I guess I want to know...since this is what comes up when I searched for eye twitching that lasts awhile and progresses...is this the pattern yours took? I know you aren't doctors, but does this sound like BEB or something insidious? I rely on my eyes so much, more than I realized, and I'm so so scared I won't be able to afford the treatments. So far, I am not having any issues with the eyes beyond dryness and the long lasting progressive twitching (so no squinting or forced shutting as of yet, but I tend to close the left one if it's in a twitching frenzy if I'm reading as it is super distracting), although they are very light colored and have always been sensitive to light.

I'm sorry for rambling and I appreciate you reading all of this! Thank you, for any help or advice at all.