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Purpose: We aimed to analyze the tears of patients with Benin Essential Blepharospasm (BEB) to explore possible corneo-conjunctival mechanisms for photophobia, tear deficiency and ocular pain., Methods: Using an observational cohort of 42 patients diagnosed with BEB, we performed Schirmer's testing, measurement of tear film pH, tear film protein electrophoresis and conjunctival impression cytology., Results: Schirmer's testing showed dry eye (8.4±9.7mm) with 71.3% eyes having a Schirmer's score<10mm. Surprisingly, the pH was basic (8.4±0.4) and was improved in patients receiving the standard treatment of quarterly botulinum toxin injections (8.32±0.36 for treated patients vs. 8.74±0.53 for untreated patients; P=0.045). Together, tear protein electrophoresis and conjunctival impression cytology showed conjunctival inflammation associated with BEB., Conclusion: For the first time, this study emphasizes corneo-conjunctival mechanisms to explain the photophobia, dry eye and pain in Benign Essential Blepharospasm. While encouraging, complementary studies remain necessary to evaluate the effect of correcting tear film pH and inflammation on the quality of life of blepharospasm patients., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: The goal of this study is to determine a link between benign essential blepharospasm and Sjogren's syndrome by analyzing the presence of extractable nuclear antigens in this population., Methods: Seventy-two patients with benign essential blepharospasm (BEB) were included in this study. We eliminated patients with hemifacial spasm or blepharospasm secondary to corneal pathology. We collected the values of the Schirmer I test and the results of the anti-SSA and anti-SSB antibodies., Results: Our study included 72 patients (144 eyes) whose 62 women (86.1%). Mean age was 74.3 years±10.73. Average Schirmer I test was 3.14mm±4.00mm. Five women (8% of this female population) had positive anti-SSA and SSB antibodies. Their mean age was 65.66 years±13.24 whereas the negative antibody patients had an average age of 75.42±9.27. There was no significant difference between their Schimer I test and the Schirmer I of negative antibody population., Conclusion: This study illustrates the possible association between the presence of Sjögren's syndrome and the occurrence of a BEB justifying the search for anti-SSA and anti SSB in blepharospasm patients., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.)