AIM: To compare the effectiveness of botulinus toxin of type A and complete resection of the periorbital muscle on idiopathic blepharospasm.

METHODS: Patients with idiopathic blepharospasm and having undergone either of two procedures from Dec. 2010 to Jun. 2015 were selected(60 patients). Among them, group A(30 patients, 60 eyes)underwent botulinus toxin of type A, group B(30 patients, 60 eyes)underwent complete resection of the periorbital muscle.

RESULTS: In group A, the patients with complete response, obvious response, partial response, and no response were 36(60.0%), 20(33.3%), 2(3.3%)and 2(3.3%)cases respectively. In group B, the patients with complete response, obvious response, partial response, and no response were 16(26.7%), 24(40.0), 12(20.0%)and 8(13.3%)cases respectively. The difference was statistically significant(Z=-2.968, P=0.003). The relapse rate of group A and group B were 93.3% and 20.0% after 6mo, the difference was statistically significant(χ²=32.851, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION: The botulinus toxin injection of type A is effective for idiopathic blepharospasm. But recurrence rate is high after 6mo. Complete resection of the periorbital muscle have long-term efficacy for idiopathic blepharospasm. It's a supplementary therapy after idiopathic blepharospasm recurrence.