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Why Is My Eye Twitching?

Why does my eye twitch? | How to stop eye twitching | When to worry about eye twitching

Eye twitching is usually just a harmless muscular spasm, but there are other potential causes. Read up on them in this article.
eye twitching

Eye twitching occurs involuntarily when your eyelid blinks irregularly. This unusual blinking may occur several times per day.

As two facial muscles cause your eyelid to close and open, eye twitching may occur if there are problems with these muscles. Eye twitching can also be caused by other muscles in the eyes. Even if you have the correct prescription glasses, other factors can play a part.

Many people experience eye twitching from time to time, especially when they are tired or have had a lot of caffeine. It’s incredibly common and affects almost everyone. The majority of eye spasms or twitches are totally harmless and do not cause any significant issues. For most people, eye twitching on a continuous basis is infrequent.

Why does my eye twitch?

eye twitching

Your eye twitches from involuntary spasms in your eyelid muscles. In other words, it feels like your eyes are fluttering. You may not notice anything or may feel a small tug on your eyelid.

Although it might seem like everyone can see your eye twitching, it is usually quite subtle and difficult to notice, especially behind a pair of glasses or sunglasses.

A common cause of eye twitching is called ocular myokymia, also known as myokymia. Myokymia causes eye twitching that only affects the eyelid. This form of twitch or spasm is fairly prevalent and affects almost all people at some stage of their life. While it affects either the upper or lower eyelid, only one eye is normally affected at a time.

The eye fluttering might be unobtrusive or become more noticeable and annoying. Although twitching normally stops after a few minutes, it can happen again after a few hours, days, or weeks.

Eye twitching from myokymia could be caused by any of the following:

  • Consuming too much caffeine
  • Tobacco use
  • Alcohol use
  • Blepharitis (inflammation)
  • Eye strain or irritation
  • Conjunctivitis (Pink eye)
  • Allergies
  • A reaction to certain medications
  • Stress

There are other possible causes for eye spasms that are much less common. One is benign essential blepharospasm, which begins when both eyes blink excessively and eventually causes the eyelids to clench shut. Although this sort of eye twitching is uncommon, it can be very severe and cause difficulties.

While researchers believe it could occur from issues with certain areas of the brain, there is uncertainty about the exact cause. However, we do know that it can create problems with the muscles that surround your eyes.

Hemifacial spasm is a nervous system condition that causes the muscles on one side of the face to twitch uncontrollably, including your eyelid. The most common cause is when a blood artery contacts or pulses against a facial nerve.

Very rarely, other conditions that impact the brain or nervous system can cause eye twitching:

  • Parkinsons disease
  • Brain damage
  • Meige syndrome
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Bells palsy

These conditions usually have other serious, identifiable symptoms that accompany the eye fluttering.

DID YOU KNOW?

Although it’s defintely perceptible by you when your eye twitches, it’s often compltely unnoticeable to others.

How to stop eye twitching

eye twitching
eye twitching

You know how annoying an eyelid twitch can be if you’ve ever had one. The severity of an eye twitch determines how it is treated. If your twitch is minor, there are certain things you can try at home before seeking medical care.

First, you can keep a journal and write down when your eye spasms happen. You should also make a note of your intake of some known triggers such as caffeine or tobacco. In addition, record your stress level and amount of sleep. When you start to notice a correlation, adjust your habits and see if the problem resolves itself. 

If you are less patient and want to try to remedy the situation as fast as possible, you can try to reduce your eye twitching by doing the following:

Get the proper amount of sleep. A twitchy eye could be resolved with something as simple as a nap. Having a regular sleep pattern will also help you feel more well-rested.

Reduce your stress level. Eliminating stress from your life can relieve eye twitching.

Eliminate caffeine. It is common for adults to consume caffeine. We find it in coffee, but also in tea and certain soft drinks. Try to reduce your intake as much as possible.

Apply a warm compress. Addressing the affected area with a warm compress can help to relax the muscles and stop the eye fluttering.

Take a break from screens. Reduce your eye strain by minimising your screen time. Alternatively, use blue light glasses to protect your eyes during screen use.

Use eye drops. Those who suffer from irritated or dry eyes may find that it contributes to eye twitching. You can address this with eye drops.

Eye spasms that are more severe or recurrent, such as blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm, likely require medical attention.

When to worry about eye twitching

eye twitching
eye twitching

If you have a twitchy eye, it’s usually nothing to be concerned about. If the spasms are persistent, you may have a more serious condition that warrants treatment. If you have any of the following symptoms, you should see an optometrist or ophthalmologist:

  • The eye twitching has persisted for more than 3 weeks
  • Your eyelid completely clamps down with each twitch or you find it difficult to open the eye
  • Other parts of your face or body are twitching as well
  • Your eye is red, swollen, or has a discharge
  • Your eyelids are drooping 
  • You feel that there is “shaking” in your vision
  • You feel like there’s something in your eye and also feel light-sensitive

Now that you know all you need to know about eye twitching, you can take the measures to get some relief. While eye twitching has many causes, they are rarely a cause for concern and usually goes away without the help of a medical professional.

However, be cautious of a persistent eye twitch and consult a professional if symptoms remain or worsen.

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