In this Section:

• Overview
• Eye Care
  • Dry Eye
  • Glaucoma

  • Other Eye Conditions

• Neurosciences
• Obesity Intervention
• Medical Aesthetics
• Medical Dermatology
• Urologics

Other Eye Conditions

Because we rely so heavily on our eyesight, any irritation or infection of the eye can have an impact on our ability to function. From allergy-induced itchy eyes to movement disorders such as blepharospasm (uncontrollable blinking) or strabismus (crossed eyes) to severe ocular pain, Allergan's products treat a multitude of eye conditions that can detract from everyday life.

Blepharospasm

Blepharospasm (uncontrollable blinking) is a type of focal dystonia, a localized movement disorder that causes abnormal muscle spasms. Blepharospasm affects approximately 25,000 people in the United States.¹ Typically, symptoms begin after age 50, and women are affected more often than men.² Patients suffering from the condition experience an involuntary clenching of the muscles that control the eyelid causing uncontrollable blinking generally affecting both eyes. Blepharospasm can diminish a patient's capacity to perform everyday activities by interfering with their ability to see due to the lid blocking their eyes. Increased blinking can progress from an inability to open the eyelids to functional blindness. Therapy with BOTOX^® (onabotulinumtoxinA) is a generally accepted standard of care for blepharospasm, and involves the injection of small therapeutic doses directly in the affected eye muscles to relieve the excessive muscle contractions. If you suffer from blepharospasm, talk to your eye care professional about treatment options.

Important Information about BOTOX^® 

Strabismus

Strabismus is a visual defect that results when the eyes do not properly align with each other. One eye may look straight ahead, but the other may turn in (crossed eyes), out (wall eyes), upward, or downward. Strabismus usually develops during childhood but can occur at any age, affecting between 5 and 15 million people in the United States.³ The misalignment of the eye may be constant, or may come and go, but does not often resolve without medical intervention. Left untreated, strabismus can cause serious vision problems. BOTOX^® (onabotulinumtoxinA) injections or surgery are often used to treat strabismus patients. If you suffer from strabismus, talk to your eye care professional about treatment options.

Important Information about BOTOX^® 

Ocular Allergies

An estimated 50 million Americans suffer from all types of allergies, and an estimated 4 percent of all allergy sufferers have eye allergies as their primary allergy.⁴ Ocular allergies, also referred to as allergic conjunctivitis, are caused by external irritants called allergens. Symptoms may include red, itchy, watery, and/or swollen eyelids often accompanied by sneezing and a runny nose. Allergies can occur year-round (perennial allergies) or seasonally. Some common household allergens that cause perennial eye allergies include dust mites, mold, pet hair, and pet dander. Pollen from trees, grass and ragweed often cause seasonal allergies. If you suffer from eye allergies, talk to your eye care professional about treatment options.

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

The term "pink eye" (or conjunctivitis) refers to irritation or inflammation of the conjunctiva, the delicate lining that covers both the inside of the eyelid and part of the outer surface of the eyeball. Left untreated, it can lead to serious eye damage.

There are many forms of conjunctivitis. Symptoms can range from itchy, burning, or teary eyes (allergic conjunctivitis) to the more severe cases that are commonly known as "pink eye" (bacterial conjunctivitis) and viral conjunctivitis.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is characterized by a thick, white, or creamy discharge from the eye. The eyelid may swell and itch intensely. There is redness, tearing, and often a "gritty" feeling. It usually affects only one eye but may spread easily to the other eye. A culture taken can easily identify the type of bacteria that caused the eye infection.

Each type of conjunctivitis requires different treatment and, except for allergic conjunctivitis, is highly contagious. Because of the similarity of the symptoms, only your doctor can distinguish between the various types and determine the appropriate therapy.

Inflammation

Inflammation occurs after tissue damage produced by injuries and diseases such as infections and certain autoimmune processes. It is part of the body's defense against injuries and results in additional blood to the affected area, movement of fluids, proteins, and cells from the blood into the tissues, and release of substances to fight infection.