What is blepharospasm?

Blepharospasm refers to a condition characterized by involuntary contractions or spasms of the eyelid muscles, leading to the eyelids being held tightly shut. This condition often arises as a response to irritation, such as that caused by environmental factors or underlying medical issues affecting the eye. It can occur in various species, including dogs, and may be associated with discomfort, pain, or other ocular pathologies.

Understanding this condition is important as it can indicate underlying problems like keratoconjunctivitis or foreign body presence in the eye, and recognizing it can help in diagnosing and treating ocular issues in canines.

The other options describe different eye-related conditions or symptoms but do not accurately define blepharospasm. For example, excessive tear production relates to a different tear-related condition, while the inability to open the mouth fully pertains to jaw or dental issues, and severe irritation of the eye surface may cause blepharospasm but is not the definition of the condition itself.