Considering Botox? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Baptist Eye Surgeons • August 15, 2020

Our skin changes over time. As elasticity breaks down, wrinkles and creases develop around our eyes, which makes us look tired or older than we may feel. While this is perfectly natural, you may find yourself wondering if there’s a way to help safely rejuvenate your skin without extreme measures such as plastic surgery.

If this sounds like you, then it may be time to consider Botox treatment. Botox is a natural, purified protein that’s been FDA-approved to treat signs of aging as well as for other medical uses. It works by relaxing muscles around the eye, resulting in fewer muscle contractions that cause signs of aging. Another benefit of botox treatments is that you can get them at any time.

To help decide if Botox is right for you, we’ll look at:

  • What is Botox?
  • How does Botox work?
  • When is the best time to get Botox?

Botox is about more than simply looking younger. You want to regain what you’ve lost by rejuvenating your skin’s elasticity and boosting your self-confidence in the process. At Baptist Eye Surgeons, you can achieve this under the care of one of the region’s top ophthalmologists who is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care.

What is Botox?

Doctors have been using Botox for years to help treat and minimize the appearance of unwanted facial creases and wrinkles. It is actually one of many brands that uses a natural, purified protein that’s been approved by the FDA for use in the cosmetic industry. 

Botox is derived from the bacterium known as Clostridium botulinum . Other brands that utilize Clostridium botulinum do exist. These include Xeomin, Dysport, and Myobloc, just to name a few. However, Botox is the most well-known brand since it was the first one FDA- approved for injection into problem areas.

Despite being derived from a bacterium, Botox has been shown to have medical as well as cosmetic benefits when used correctly and in small amounts. It has also been approved by the FDA to treat:

  • Migraine
  • Excessive perspiration
  • Strabismus
  • Twitching eyelids
  • Neck and shoulder spasms
  • Certain bladder disorders

While there are plenty of medical uses for Botox, it’s most popular use is for fighting the signs of aging. It’s been shown to be a safe option that lasts longer than using age-fighting cosmetics alone. 

Of course, Botox is about more than simply reducing the signs of aging. Botox is about boosting your confidence and restoring your natural beauty. If you’ve tried anti-aging cosmetics and other solutions with underwhelming results, then it may be time to consider Botox.

How does Botox work?

Botox injections work by relaxing the muscles around your eyes. Usually, your body’s nervous system sends messages to your muscles via chemicals telling them to contract and stiffen. Over time, this contraction process results in the formation of lines we associate with aging, such as:

  • Forehead Wrinkles
  • Crows feet
  • Glabellar lines (Eleven Lines)

Botox undermines this entire process. It prevents the release of acetylcholine , which is the chemical that causes muscles to contract and shorten. With Botox, the muscles become more relaxed, resulting in smoother skin that appears younger.

Expect to wait a week or two for the treatment to fully take effect. Keep in mind that Botox treatments are not permanent. Its effects can last between three or four months, at which point you would need to receive another treatment to continue to prevent the signs of aging.

Botox treatments are a simple cosmetic procedure that only takes a few minutes. They don’t even require an anesthetic! In fact, a numbing shot is more painful than multiple Botox treatments. 

When is the best time to get Botox?

In truth, anytime is the best time for botox treatments. Some people like to add them to procedures they’re already getting such as ptosis repair or blepharoplasty. However, one of the benefits of Botox is that it can be a stand-alone treatment. 

Our own Dr. Andew Anzeljc is an expert in these types of procedures. Following the completion of his residency in 2016, Dr. Anzeljc went on to complete a fellowship in oculoplastic and orbital surgery. There, he concentrated on functional and cosmetic oculoplastic procedures, making him the ideal surgeon to treat both functional as well as cosmetic issues affecting your eyes.

Many people are hesitant to ask about Botox for various reasons, but Dr. Anzeljc is always quick to ease their fears. As he puts it:

We have many safe and effective ways to rejuvenate the face that do not involve surgery. Cosmetic procedures are becoming more commonplace for men as well as women, so if anyone is curious about botox or fillers or other possibilities I encourage them to have a consultation.

At Baptist Eye Surgeons , you’ll receive treatment from the most trusted surgeons in the region. When it comes to Botox treatment, we care about more than simply fighting the signs of aging. Our surgeons are dedicated to improving your self-confidence with the highest standards of medical care in mind!

Botox is a wonderful way to help restore and rejuvenate the skin around your eyes. While there are plenty of medical uses, Botox is most popular to help fight the signs of aging. It does this by blocking the chemical that causes facial muscles to contract, resulting in fewer lines and wrinkles. The best time to get Botox is while undergoing another procedure, such as ptosis repair surgery or blepharoplasty. The treatment is less painful than a numbing shot and doesn’t even require an anesthetic. 

Baptist Eye Surgeons is an ophthalmological practice in Knoxville, TN, and Morristown, TN. Visit our website to meet our doctors and learn more about our specialties, or give us a call at 865-579-3920 for more information or to schedule an appointment .

Night Vision Problems: Causes and When to See an Eye Doctor

June 30, 2026
Night vision problems can make everyday activities like driving at dusk, walking in poorly lit places, or adjusting to indoor lighting harder and sometimes unsafe. Trouble seeing in low light, called nyctalopia, is not a disease itself but a sign that something else may be affecting your eyes. Learning what causes night vision problems and when to get help is important for keeping your vision healthy. What Are Night Vision Problems? Night vision problems mean it is hard to see clearly in low light or darkness. Some people notice their eyes take longer to adjust when going from bright to dim places. Others may have trouble with glare from headlights, seeing less contrast, or things just looking dimmer at night. Mild changes in night vision can happen as you get older, but if your symptoms keep getting worse or do not go away, you should pay attention to them. Common Causes of Night Vision Difficulties There are several potential causes of night vision problems. Night vision problems can have many causes, from getting older to certain eye conditions, such as lens problems, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 1. Cataracts Cataracts cause clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 2. Vitamin A Deficiency Vitamin A is important for keeping your retina healthy. If you do not get enough vitamin A, your eyes may have trouble adjusting to darkness, which can lead to night blindness. 3. Glaucoma Some types of glaucoma can affect your side vision and make it harder to see differences between light and dark. As the optic nerve gets damaged, seeing in low light can become more difficult. 4. Retinitis Pigmentosa This inherited eye condition slowly affects your ability to see at night and to the sides. Early signs often include trouble seeing in the dark. 5. Diabetes-Related Eye Disease Diabetic retinopathy can harm the blood vessels in your retina, which may cause blurry vision and make it harder to see at night. 6. Aging and Pupil Changes As people get older, their pupils do not react to light changes as quickly, and the retina becomes less sensitive. This naturally makes night vision worse over time. Symptoms to Watch For Night vision problems often develop slowly. Some common signs are: Difficulty seeing in low light or darkness Trouble driving at night due to glare from headlights Longer adjustment time when moving between light and dark environments Reduced contrast or clarity in dim settings Frequent squinting or eye strain in low light If these symptoms start to affect your daily life, it is a good idea to get a full eye check-up. When to See an Eye Doctor You should see an eye doctor if you notice new night vision problems, if they are getting worse, or if you have other changes in your vision. The doctor can run tests to find out what is causing the problem and suggest the right treatment. A full eye exam might include checking your retina, testing your field of vision, and taking images to look at your eye health. Finding problems early is very important for conditions like glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and retinal disorders, because early treatment can help protect your vision. Protecting Your Night Vision Not all causes of night vision loss can be prevented, but taking care of your eyes can lower your risk and help you see better. Some helpful steps are: Scheduling regular eye exams Handling chronic health conditions like diabetes Eating a diet rich in vitamin A and antioxidants Wearing proper corrective lenses if prescribed Avoiding driving with untreated vision changes Prioritizing Your Eye Health Night vision problems can be an early sign of eye disease. Since many eye problems develop slowly, having regular eye exams is one of the best ways to catch changes early and keep your vision healthy for the long term. If you have trouble seeing at night or notice any changes in your vision, making an appointment for an eye exam can help keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear in all types of light.
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