title: Botulinum toxin and its uses in the treatment of ocular disorders.
abstract: The recent utilization of type A botulinum toxin in clinical ophthalmology makes it important for all health professionals involved in eye care to understand the action of this "non-surgical" tool. This paper summarizes the present knowledge concerning the chemistry, toxicology, and pathophysiology of the toxin. It also discusses the indications, contraindications, safety, and efficacy of this use of botulinum toxin.
mesh_terms: D001763:Blepharoptosis / Q000139:chemically induced; D001764:Blepharospasm / Q000188:drug therapy; D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001906:Botulism / Q000503:physiopathology; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D003714:Denervation; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009132:Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000187:drug effects; D010275:Parasympathetic Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D001905:Botulinum Toxins; D002118:Calcium